JERSEY CITY, N.J.— Local 245, the union representing hundreds of Jersey City public employees, today officially endorsed Team O’Dea, which includes Bill O'Dea for Mayor, Pam Johnson for Ward A, Joel Brooks for Ward B, Tom Zuppa for Ward C, Elvin Dominici Encarnación for Ward D, Dan Israel for Ward E and Keith Howell for Ward F, in addition to Councilman Daniel Rivera, Kristen Zadroga Hart and Saundra Robinson Green for At- Large Council. The union and the Team gathered to announce the endorsement at an event attended by union leaders and members. Local 245 praised O’Dea’s consistent support for working families and his public advocacy for fair treatment as the driving force behind their decision, pointing to his record of standing with union workers both on the picket line and in government.

“Bill O’Dea and members of his team have shown us time and again that he will fight for the people who keep this city running,” said Local 245 President Santo Della Monica. “Our members have gone six years without a contract while continuing to serve Jersey City through thick and thin, including the pandemic. Bill understands our struggle, he has raised his voice for us, and we know he will deliver real results as our next Mayor.”

Local 245 has endured six years without a contract while delivering essential services, including during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Dea’s outspoken advocacy on their behalf has repeatedly challenged the administration and city council to fulfill their fiscal and moral responsibility, including ensuring that budgets reflect the funding needed to settle long-overdue agreements and that workers are fairly compensated for their risks.

O’Dea thanked the union for its trust and pledged to make city workers a priority in his administration. “This endorsement is an honor because it comes from the workers who make Jersey City run every single day,” O’Dea said. “Local 245 members have given this city their all, even when City Hall gave them nothing in return. As mayor, I will make sure our budgets reflect respect for our workforce, fairness for working families, and accountability for every taxpayer dollar.”

With this endorsement, Local 245 joins a growing coalition of community leaders, advocates, and residents rallying behind Bill O’Dea’s candidacy for mayor such as the Hudson County Building Trades Council, Jersey City Education Association, Teamsters Local 560, Local 1199J, IATSE Local 59, National Union of Hospitals and Health Care Employees AFSCME 1199 and 32BJ SEIU. The endorsement today underscores O’Dea’s strong record of supporting labor unions, the arts and investing in the cultural and economic vitality of Jersey City.

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