LEA WEBB ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT
BY WORKERS UNITED UPSTATE NEW YORK
The Choice for Labor is Clear, Lea Webb Will Stand For Workers
Today, Workers United Upstate New York, a labor organization representing over 7,000 workers in the retail, manufacturing and garment industries, announced its endorsement of Lea Webb, candidate for New York State Senate in District 52. The organization cited Lea's continued advocacy for workers and her support for the ongoing efforts to unionize Starbucks stores across the state, in their decision. Gary Bonadonna Jr., Manager of the Workers United Rochester Regional Joint Board said, “Workers United Upstate New York is pleased to endorse Lea Webb for State Senate. Our organization was built on a foundation of social and economic justice and we endorse candidates we feel best embody that tradition. Lea Webb's dedication to activism, uplifting the voices of working people and advocating for a truly equitable state for all is exactly the kind of leadership needed in the New York State Legislature.” Organizers of the Starbucks union efforts in the Southern Tier and Central New York, praised Workers United Upstate New York's decision. The Partners of Starbucks Store #7656 said, "The partners of store #7656 of Vestal, NY are excited that Workers United has endorsed Lea Webb for State Senate. Lea not only shows solidarity in union efforts throughout the state, she fights for the rights every employee should have. As an organizing store that has endured many unfair labor practices throughout our campaign, we know Lea is the advocate in Albany we all need!" Evan Sunshine, a partner organizer for Starbucks Workers United said, "We are proud that Workers United has endorsed Lea Webb for New York State Senate. Lea not only sympathizes with our efforts as a union, but has shown up for us time and time again. When Starbucks closed my story in retaliation against me and my coworkers, Lea stood strong with us in solidarity, and we know she will continue to fight for working New Yorkers when she gets to Albany."
“I am proud to be endorsed by Workers United” said Lea Webb. “The work they've done and continue to do supporting working people across the nation is incredibly powerful. New York has a proud history when it comes to labor unions. But as influential as our state was in advancing workers rights in America, the fight is still far from over. As a proud union member, I have and will always continue to support union efforts. We have a lot of work left to do in New York, and as a State Senator, representing thousands of workers in Central New York and the Southern Tier, I will always advocate to keep our state union strong." Lea is a UUP/NYSUT union member who has a history of standing up for union workers. She has supported union strikes and stood on the picket line with CWA to call for better health care benefits, and voted for project labor agreements on city projects. The Democratic Primary for State Senate is on August 23, 2022. Voters can learn more about Webb’s campaign at leawebb.com About Lea Webb Lea Webb was the first African American ever elected to the Binghamton City Council, and she is an award-winning activist who has been recognized as one of tomorrow's leaders by Oprah magazine and the White House Project. A lifelong Southern Tier NY resident, Webb was raised in a blue-collar family and is a proud graduate of public school. Webb is a first-generation graduate of SUNY Broome, where she earned a degree in liberal arts and sciences, and Binghamton University, where she earned a degree in neuroscience. Lea is now an educator at Binghamton University, where she develops diversity and inclusion training and programs for faculty, staff, and students to advance its goals of fostering diversity and respect. She is a national trainer with Vote Run Lead, training thousands of women across the country on how to run for elected office. She is a Co-Chair/Co-Founder of the Black Millennial Political Convention and a Founding Board Member of Local Progress. Lea was honored with the President’s Award by the Broome-Tioga Branch of the NAACP for her significant contributions to her community. -30-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2022
CONTACT: Tess McRae, tess@theparksidegroup.com or amanda@theparksidegroup.com