Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced he has received the endorsement of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158 for re-election as mayor. Mayor Walsh, who has helped attract investment to Syracuse and Central New York during his first term, has been endorsed by five major unions in the building and construction trades. Walsh is a former union member (Laborers’ Local 633 and UFCW Local One) and employee of the New York State AFL-CIO.

In its endorsement, the union stated its Executive Board voted unanimously “without qualification or reservation” to endorse Walsh. Business Manager Daniel McGraw and Manager Theron Hogle said, “The Operating Engineers will work tirelessly on your behalf in order to assure a successful campaign and victory, and we support you in all that you wish to accomplish.”

Local 158, through its three Districts, has been representing Operating Engineers in various parts of Upstate New York for over one hundred and nine years. The union’s jurisdiction covers 42 counties throughout Upstate New York.

“When you see a major building or construction project going on in Syracuse, it’s likely the heavy equipment operators, mechanics and surveyors on the site are members of the Operating Engineers. Its people are also responsible for maintaining structures after they are built,” said Mayor Walsh. “I thank Operating Engineers members for their work to grow our region and keep us safe, and am honored to receive Local 158’s endorsement.”

Walsh has already received the endorsements of the Independence Party of New York, IBEW Local 43, IBEW Local 97, the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council No. 4, Local 31.