Union says he’s best choice as candidate builds momentum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2023
PITTSBURGH – Joe Rockey continued to rack up labor endorsements in his campaign for Allegheny County Executive this week, earning the endorsement of the 1,110-member Plumbers Union Local 27.
“We looked at the candidates and it was clear that Joe Rockey stands for jobs and the pro-growth policies that can guarantee good-paying, union jobs for our members and the companies we service,” said Edward J. Bigley, business manager for the Coraopolis-based local.
Rockey, retired senior vice-president and risk officer for Pittsburgh-based PNC, has promoted a moderate and pro-labor platform that encourages new business and a respect for blue-collar jobs.
“Not only is he the best candidate for our members, but to me Joe Rockey is clearly the best candidate for our county,” Bigley said.
The 133-year-old union provides commercial services to 46 contractors throughout the region and offers training and apprenticeships to plumbers in both the commercial construction business and home services.
Rockey added the Plumbers endorsement to a growing list that includes the Laborers International Union of North America, Boilermakers Local 154 and Steamfitters Local 449, along with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1, Lodge 91, Lodge 39 and 47 representing Pennsylvania State Troopers. Rockey also won the endorsement of the Allegheny County Prison Employees Independent Union.
The son of union Democrats, Rockey has embraced organized labor, noting that his plan for economic renewal, which he terms a “Jobs Renaissance,” is focused on a renewal in manufacturing along with support for the emerging technology and medical economy of the region.
“The support of working people is both humbling and a call to work tirelessly toward replacing the tens of thousands of jobs lost in the past five years,” Rockey said. “I am ready to fight for working people and their jobs from Day One.”
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