The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL-CIO & CLC, and its New Jersey Affiliate, IFPTE Local 196 Back Brendan Gill for Congress

MONTCLAIR — The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL-CIO & CLC, and its New Jersey affiliate, IFPTE Local 196, today announced their endorsement of Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill in his campaign for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

IFPTE is an international labor union representing more than 90,000 professional, technical, administrative, and associated workers across the United States and Canada. IFPTE Local 196 represents more than 10,000 public- and private-sector workers statewide in New Jersey.

In announcing the endorsement, IFPTE Local 196 cited Gill’s long record of community leadership and his consistent commitment to standing up for working people and union members.

“For working people, Brendan Gill isn’t just another politician — he’s the son of a union member who understands firsthand the power of a union contract and the importance of strong workplace protections,” said Sean McBride, IFPTE Vice President and President of IFPTE Local 196. “As our union continues to grow, Brendan has been a true ally in our organizing efforts. He understands the pressures our members face every day and has proven he will fight to protect collective bargaining rights, invest in public services, and stand up for working families. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need in Congress.”

Steve Pinto, IFPTE Atlantic Area Vice President/Local 195 President-elect said, “Brendan Gill has a long and proud track record of support for Labor Unions and working families here in New Jersey, and we have 100 percent confidence that he will continue that support at the federal level in the House of Representatives. IFPTE is honored to lend him our support.”

Gay Henson, IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer, said, “Brendan Gill is an effective and proven public servant who prioritizes the needs of his constituents above all else. His record of support for collective bargaining rights and for public services and the workers who provide them is outstanding. We at IFPTE are

happy to lend him our full support.”

“Brendan Gill boasts a track record of public service that spans the spectrum,” said Matt Biggs, IFPTE President. “At the Local level, he currently serves as Essex County Commissioner, has been a top adviser to Governor Murphy at the statewide level, and has worked on the staffs of Senators Booker and Lautenberg in the United States Senate, and Representatives Bill Pascrell and Steve Rothman in the House. He not only understands the bread-and-butter issues facing New Jersey’s working families, he also understands the inner workings of the United States Congress and how to get things accomplished there. He will be a strong supporter of IFPTE and Unions in general. We are pleased to support him.”

Gill welcomed the endorsement, emphasizing the shared values between his campaign and IFPTE members.

“I am deeply honored to earn the support of IFPTE and IFPTE Local 196,” said Brendan Gill. “Working people built New Jersey’s middle class, and they deserve a representative in Congress who will fight every day for good union jobs, fair wages, safe workplaces, and the dignity of work. I will always stand with union members — and I will fight just as hard for workers who are still organizing to win a union of their own.”

IFPTE and IFPTE  Local 196 joins a growing coalition of organized labor unions endorsing Gill’s campaign, including the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA); United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), IBEW Local 164; the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET); CWA Local 1031; the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (NJFMBA); the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council (HTC); the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Local 108 (RWDSU Local 108); IBEW Local 1158; SMART Local 25; and AFGE Local 91, led by Acting President Larry Hirsch.

About IFPTE and IFPTE Local 196

IFPTE Local 196 represents more than 10,000 members statewide in New Jersey and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers is a diverse labor union representing more than 90,000 workers across the United States and Canada in professional, technical, administrative, and associated occupations.

About Brendan Gill

Brendan Gill, an Essex County Commissioner and longtime civic leader, is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District with a focus on protecting fundamental rights, strengthening the middle class, improving transportation and infrastructure, and defending democratic institutions.

For more information, visit www.gillfornj.com.