United Transportation Union (UTU)/Sheet Metal, Air, and Rail Transportation (SMART-TD) joins the Woodworkers in Support of McLaughlin
Olympia, Washington (PRWEB) November 04, 2016 -- Washington state labor groups are rallying around Steve McLaughlin for Commissioner of Public Lands. SMART-TD-UTU and the Woodworkers Unions both endorse Steve McLaughlin because of his common sense and balanced approach to management.
McLaughlin added another crucial endorsement to his campaign with SMART-Transportation Division/UTU, which now includes eight labor unions -- the Washington State Machinists Council, the Woodworkers Division of the IAM, IBEW-77, IUOW 302, AWPPW, Masters, Mates and Pilots, and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association. These unions represent more than 100,000 Washington working families. Their support is in addition to more than 20 major agricultural, labor, business, tribal and trade organizations, as well as the scores of other current and former elected officials, wildlife experts and small family forest owners who have already endorsed McLaughlin for state lands commissioner.
“SMART-TD represents thousands of Washington state railroad workers who transport products that we all use every day,” said Herb Krohn, Washington State Legislative Director. “SMART-TD/UTU members are very concerned about safety and productivity; we deliver the fiber supply for mills that keep jobs in our working forests and support rural communities. And like Steve McLaughlin, our SMART-TD/UTU members are dedicated to the conservation of our environment while considering the economic stability of the workforce and our surrounding communities. Steve McLaughlin understands the critical importance of insuring railroad operational safety, as one of the most prolific incident command instructors in the state. He is uniquely qualified to be our next Commissioner of Public Lands,” he said.
Noel Willet, Vice President of the Washington Machinists Council and President of the Woodworkers District W24 Lodge, said McLaughlin has the common-sense approach and management experience with union workers, and is the right leader to manage Washington State’s natural resources and the thousands of employees within the Department of Natural Resources.
“Woodworkers District Lodge W24 represents 6,000 members, and is a division of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. We are a diversified labor union representing members in logging, sawmills, sort yards and tree farm operations. We also represent Aerospace, Major Manufacturing, Deputy Sheriffs, Police Officers, Municipal Support Staff, Corrections Support Staff, Attorneys, Church employees and health care employees.
"Steve McLaughlin will be a Steward of our valuable natural resources, promote healthy forests, and increase recreational opportunity. Steve has expressed his commitment to the men and women whose jobs depend on working state forests. That is why the Woodworkers have endorsed Steve McLaughlin for Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands.”
Public Lands Commissioner oversees management of more than 3 million acres of trust land in Washington State for the benefit of schools and other beneficiaries. The position is responsible for managing the state’s Department of Natural Resources, as well as oversight of the state’s natural areas and aquatic reserves. The commissioner also oversees land transactions and serves as chair of the state’s Forest Practices Board.
About Steve McLaughlin
Steve McLaughlin is a lifelong conservationist and avid climber, hiker, hunter, and fisher. As a career naval officer, McLaughlin led complex organization with thousands of employees. He oversaw both forestlands and aquatic lands for the U.S. Navy (Everett Homeport has 5,000 acres of timber and extensive tidelands) and helped conserve one of the last stands of old growth in lowland Western Washington. McLaughlin is supported by labor unions, Native Americans, farm and business groups, and veterans, among others. For more on Steve McLaughlin’s campaign, visit http://www.mac4lands.org.
Cindy Mitchell, Steve McLaughlin Campaign, http://www.mac4lands.org, +1 360) 791-9372, [email protected]
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