Contact: Justin Bielinski, (414) 208-9283

MILWAUKEE — This week, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO announced their endorsement of Mandela Barnes in the race for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. The AFL-CIO fights raise wages, improve workplace safety, protect worker freedom to collectively bargain and for strong contracts that build strong communities within the state of WIsconsin — and has recognized Barnes for his commitment to these values.

“Mandela Barnes grew up in a proud union family and understands the importance of having strong unions in order to sustain and grow Wisconsin’s middle class,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “In the Assembly, Barnes prioritized working class issues like creating family-sustaining jobs, investing in our neighborhood public schools and ensuring Wisconsin families could have affordable health care. The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is proud to support Mandela Barnes for Lieutenant Governor.”

“As the son of two union parents, I am honored to receive the endorsement of Wisconsin’s AFL-CIO. When I was growing up, my family was supported by the family-sustaining benefits provided by these unions. Over the last eight years, Scott Walker and his cronies have viciously attacked the unions — leading to enormous decreases in benefits for so many hard-working families. As part of the new Democratic administration, I will fight to restore collective bargaining and rebuild the strength of our unions,” said Mandela Barnes.

The AFL-CIO endorsement is the latest in a string of support for the Mandela Barnes campaign from organized labor, including UAW, CWA, Teamsters, Ironworkers Local 8, and AFT Local 212.

Mandela Barnes is a former two-term state legislator, community organizer, and policy professional from Milwaukee. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor in the August 14th primary election. More information is available at www.mandelabarnes.com.

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