In Historic First, Transport Workers Union Local 320 Enthusiastically Endorses Brad Lander for Mayor
TWU said: “Brad is the one and only person in NYC government who has ever publicly recognized and championed safety, fair wages, and a fair Collective Bargaining Agreement between the union and company operating Citibike under contract with NYC”
NEW YORK, NY — In a historic first, Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 320, representing the nation's largest body of bikeshare workers, has announced its endorsement of Brad Lander for Mayor. The union’s “enthusiastic” endorsement of Lander — their first-ever elected official endorsement — showcases his steadfast, career-long commitment to workers rights and public transportation.
“Citibike, a vital element of New York City’s transportation network, is made possible by TWU workers, and I am delighted to earn their first-ever endorsement,” said Brad Lander. “Safe streets, expanded bike lanes, and fair wages for our workers are pinnacles of my years in government. I look forward to continuing the partnership with TWU workers when I’m mayor.”
In their endorsement letter, Edwin Aviles, the President of TWU Micro-Mobility, Local 320 said: “Brad is the one and only person in NYC government who has ever publicly recognized and championed safety, fair wages, and a fair Collective Bargaining Agreement between the union and company operating Citibike under contract with NYC. From rallying alongside our members on the steps of City Hall, to holding press conferences in 2020 in advocacy of our essential public transportation worker union members alongside NYC essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been the one NYC governmental official who has repeatedly shown and acted in support of the public service our members have, and continue to provide to the great City of New York.”
The letter also said: “NYC's Citibike program officially launched in May of 2013. Since that momentous day, Brad Lander has been an advocate of NYC's Bikeshare program and supported the essential workers who were installing, maintaining, and balancing NYC's new public transit system. When Citibike workers came together and organized into a union - Brad was there, when unionized Citibike workers campaigned for a just contract, Brad was there, when Citibike tried to layoff eighty workers unnecessarily, Brad was there, when Citibike expanded and more union jobs were created, Brad was there.”
“Brad Lander, TWU Micro-Mobility Workers Local 320 appreciate your efforts and support throughout the past 12 years. You have supported us and we enthusiastically endorse you to be elected in 2025 as the Mayor of New York City.”