Three more unions have backed Dan Hynes, giving the Illinois comptroller a boost in his campaign against incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn, known for his close ties to organized labor.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1546, and the International Brotherhood of the Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers Local 1 announced their endorsements for Hynes yesterday.
“During a recession, working men and women are on the front lines of trying to make ends meet," Hynes said in a statement. "I am proud to have earned their trust as a leader who can put people back to work and get Illinois’ economy back on its feet."
According to his campaign, Hynes has received support from 15 unions that represent about 323,000 members. Gov. Pat Quinn has earned endorsements from seven unions, including another local of the food workers' union, according to his campaign spokeswoman.
The most recent endorsements come after Hynes unveiled a green-jobs program called "Clean Start for Illinois."
“Dan Hynes has earned the endorsement of UFCW Local 1546 based on his strong, steady leadership, his plan to create new, sustainable jobs for the future," Kenneth R. Boyd, the union's president, said in a statement.
The endorsement from the transit union also comes after Quinn arranged a deal with transit executives to buoy capital projects with federal money and keep fares at the Chicago Transit Authority steady for at least two years.
Critics of the plan call it fiscally irresponsible since it uses bonds to paper over financial problems with the transit system.
"We're convinced that Dan Hynes represents our best opportunity to elect a highly capable leader for governor who has a sterling track record of fiscal responsibility,” said Darrell Jefferson, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241.
Jobs have become a centerpiece of the campaign season as Illinois' unemployment rate, 11 percent, surpasses the United States.