Congressman Payne’s Support from Labor Grows with Endorsements from ATU Local 819 and IFPTE Local 194

Two Prominent Transportation Worker Unions Latest to Endorse Democratic Congressman 

NEWARK, NJ – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) is announcing that his campaign has been endorsed by two more prominent unions, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 819 and the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 194, building on his already significant support from the labor community. A former member of the IFPTE himself when he worked as a toll collector for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Congressman Payne has been a staunch advocate for collective bargaining rights and stronger labor protections.

“The hardworking members of the ATU and the IFPTE keep our state moving forward and they deserve to have representatives in Washington who will fight for them,” said Congressman Payne. “I’m proud to have used my role as a leader on the House Committee on Transportation to improve public transit and build new infrastructure. I will continue to advance crucial projects like the Gateway Tunnel, the North Portal Bridge, removal of lead pipes, investment in high speed rail, and electrification of our transportation systems. I am proud to stand with organized labor like ATU and IFPTE, and am honored to have their support.”

“Congressman Payne has always been a friend to the ATU, labor unions, working people, and public transit,” said ATU NJ State Council Chairman Orlando Riley. “He is a co-sponsor of the PRO Act, a critical bill that will make it easier for more people to join a union – which is key to lifting the middle class. Congressman Payne’s life of public service is a testament to his commitment to his community, the state of New Jersey, and our country. He’s not afraid to take on hard political fights on behalf of working people, and for that, the ATU is proud to endorse him. Our members in New Jersey’s 10th District will be mobilizing to make sure he is re-elected.”

Congressman Payne is also a member of the House Labor Caucus and one of the original co-sponsors of the PRO Act, which supports workers’ rights to organize for increased pay and benefits. He has been a consistent advocate for collective bargaining rights and the rights of workers to unionize. He also supports raising the federal minimum wage, and expanding labor protections for those working in the gig economy.

“We are thrilled to endorse Congressman Payne, a former IFPTE member,” said Barry Kushnir, IFPTE Local 194 President. “He knows firsthand the struggles of New Jersey’s blue collar workers, and has proven to be a true champion for working people in Washington. We are confident that he will continue to show up to fight for labor rights and look forward to working with him to deliver for the people of New Jersey.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund,  New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Working Families Party, 32BJ SEIU, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and AFSCME NJ. He also recently announced the support of U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Governor Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.

About Congressman Payne: 

A lifelong Newark resident, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., is a champion for working families, Democratic values and fighting to provide more opportunities for people in black and brown communities. He’s a devoted husband and father and a former union member with a blue collar background who has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. A five-term Congressman, he was first elected in 2012 to succeed his late father, the legendary Rep. Donald Payne, Sr., who was the first Black Congressman in state history. Congressman Payne is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over major infrastructure initiatives including the Gateway Project that are critical to New Jersey’s economy. Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure act and has supported critical progressive legislation like the Build Back Better plan, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the Equality Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and much more.

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