(PORTLAND) Governor Kate Brown announced her campaign for reelection on Monday. Earlier this month, Governor Kate Brown addressed hundreds of union delegates of the Oregon AFL-CIO at the State Federation’s 55th Biennial Convention in Bend where she spoke on issues important to working people in Oregon. Governor Brown’s speech included her efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and the importance of working people standing together in union to negotiate for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.
The Governor’s dedication to Oregon’s workers and unions earned her boisterous applause from delegates and upon concluding her speech, a motion came from the floor calling for the Oregon AFL-CIO’s endorsement for her campaign in 2018. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved by delegates.
“Governor Brown has stood by our side,” said Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain. “She has shown time and time again that she is a leader who will do everything she can to make Oregon a state where working people prosper. In the 2017 Oregon Legislature she worked hard to ensure transportation funding passed, signed the Rural Oregon Worker Protection Act (Senate Bill 1040) into law, and has continuously advocated for working people. That’s why we endorsed her today, and that’s why we will work hard to help reelect her next year.”
The Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents 25,000 workers, endorsed Governor Brown at their convention in August. Tim Frew, Executive Secretary for the Council explained why Oregon’s Building Trades unions are supporting Governor Brown for reelection:
“Governor Brown has worked hard to create jobs for construction workers in Oregon; jobs which can support our families and improve our communities,” said Frew. “Her leadership in getting transportation investment funded in the 2017 Oregon Legislature is absolutely commendable. We’re excited to see what she can accomplish in another term as our Governor.”