Two leaders of a notable New York City union have openly criticized the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), contending that these political factions are disconnected from the blue-collar members of the working class they claim to represent. This union, with a history spanning 150 years and a past record of predominantly backing Democratic candidates, represents skilled tradespeople including steamfitters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, welders, and industrial and mechanical service technicians. Notably, the organization recently deviated from its traditional support for Democrats by endorsing former President Donald Trump for 2024.
Concerns Over Progressive Policies and Labor Representation
One of the union representatives sharply criticized the far-left DSA candidates who secured primary victories in New York last week over incumbent and more established Democrats. Among these winners were Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York's 13th Congressional District and Claire Valdez in New York's 7th Congressional District. Both are identified as members of the Democratic Socialists of America, and their more radical viewpoints were points of contention during their respective campaigns.
"They do have the people's support that want everything for free and want everything handed to them without working for it, and I think the Democratic Party is going way far to the left," the union leader stated. He further observed, "And as a matter of fact, the more building trades people you speak to, the more they're going away from the Democratic Party."
Describing some Democrats in power as "narcissists," he conveyed frustration that when progressive policies do not achieve their intended results, the party tends to intensify its leftward shift rather than adjust its approach. He specifically highlighted concerns regarding open border policies, which he believes depress wages for union members.
"That we don't like," he said. "You know why? Because they're bringing the illegal immigrants in here to steal the Americans' jobs and lower the rates."
He added, "They're working to tear down the people that are working and building everything." The union official expressed offense when figures like Avila Chevalier declare support for the working class, stating that he and his colleagues do not feel represented by such politicians. "Because I'm the working class, and they're not here to support me," he clarified. "They want to support the people who want to take from the working class."
DSA Alignment and Unfulfilled Promises
Brian Kearney, the president of Steamfitters Local 638, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that much of the DSA's agenda does not align with the interests of organized labor, particularly those in the building trades.
"I mean, we traditionally have been working class labor Democrats," Kearney explained.
He elaborated on the challenges of finding common ground with DSA policies. "I think that DSA is going to have to try to find inroads through the labor movement in New York City because the labor movement in New York City — and I don't want to speak for everybody, but you know, personally — it feels like we align on things when we can, but a lot more of their policy has gone towards progressive politics that could end up getting in the way sometimes."
Kearney also pointed to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, noting that while the mayor has pursued his own progressive initiatives since taking office, he has yet to demonstrate promised support for the building union. This critique came as the New York City Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) voted in favor of freezing rent, a key promise of Mamdani's campaign.
"He's mentioned union labor, union labor, union labor quite a few times throughout his campaign," Kearney recalled. "Affordable housing was a big political issue in New York City. He said it was going to be built, and it was going to be built by union labor, but nothing's been done yet, you know what I mean?"
Kearney concluded by observing, "He's taken care of a lot of I think the agenda that he campaigned on that pertains to like more of the socialist policies, the super socialist stuff... but, he's mentioned building with union labor, and I'd like to see him fulfill that promise and utilize union labor throughout the city."
