Haitian-born Josue Pierre, a candidate for the 40th Council District in Brooklyn, announced on Mar. 17 that he has been endorsed by the Communication Workers of America (CWA) District 1, which includes Locals 1101, 1102, 1106 and 1109.
“I’m humbled and grateful to receive the endorsement of CWA,” said Pierre, who has served as a Democratic District Leader for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn since 2016 and is a founding member of the Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club.
“To receive the support of CWA locals based in New York City and in Brooklyn further underscores how much grassroots support our campaign has in District 40,” he added. The members of CWA will have a true partner, and I look forward to working with CWA to strengthen workers’ rights in our city.”
To date, Pierre said he has been endorsed by six major labor unions, stating that it is the most labor union endorsement of any candidate in District 40.
He said he has received 10 endorsements in total, including: UFT, RWDSU, PSC at CUNY, Sheet Metal Workers Local 28, Teamsters Local 237, New York Communities for Change, Churches United for Fair Housing (Action), LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club, and Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn.
“Josue Pierre clearly understands that partnering with the residents and working directly on the ground make neighborhoods stronger,” said Dennis Trainor, CWA District 1 vice president. “We’re proud to endorse him for City Council because we believe in his leadership and vision, and we know that he will fight for working families and fight to rebuild this city even stronger.”
“Raised in a union household, Josue Pierre understands the needs of working New Yorkers. As a union member, he will fight to make sure working families continue to have a voice on the City Council,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers. “More than anything, we need leaders like Josue who understand the importance of equity in our public schools and the need to increase funding for all students.”
Stuart Appelbaum, president, Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union, said Pierre is “an outstanding community leader; the RWDSU is proud to endorse him for City Council District 40.
“Raised in a union household, Josue shares the RWDSU’s values,” he said. “He has the experience in government and in his community to effectively stand up and advocate for workers’ and their families throughout New York.”
Eric Meslin, president and business manager, Sheet Metal Workers Local 28, said the union is “delighted to endorse Josue Pierre’s candidacy for City Council in the 40th District.
“He has spent years advocating for working people, while fighting to protect union jobs and benefits,” he said. “It is abundantly clear that he understands our priorities more than any candidate in his district and is best prepared to represent the needs of our members.”
“We proudly endorse Josue Pierre for New York City Council in District 40. Josue’s background in both government and finance, and comprehensive platform will be a benefit for all of the members that we represent,” said Gregory Floyd, president, Teamsters, Local 237. “Our members deserve leaders in the NYC City Council who will show up for them each and every day. Josue Pierre is such a leader.”
“We are thrilled to endorse Josue Pierre as our number one choice in the 40th District,” said Rob Solano, executive director. “He is a leader that embodies justice and will work tirelessly to dismantle systems of oppression. By endorsing candidates like Josue, who is unapologetically pro-tenant, we are sending a message to wealthy developers that the next City Council will belong to the community.”
District 40 comprises the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Ditmas Park, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Lefferts Garden and Southern Crown Heights.
Pierre and his family migrated from Haiti when he was five years old, and have lived in Flatbush ever since.
Pierre attended local public schools and graduated from Baruch College with a degree in accounting.
Pierre most recently served as the Brooklyn Borough Director for the New York City Comptroller, where he led a team to connect Brooklyn residents with resources and services.
