Operating Engineers Local 317 endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President at the Union’s membership meeting held on Tuesday evening, February 12th.  The Executive Board of the Union recommended endorsing Obama based on his support for labor and working family issues.
 
According to Local 317 Business Manager Mark Maierle, “Senator Obama’s message of change and hope make him an attractive candidate.  As President, we believe Obama will achieve critically needed changes that benefit working families.  It is important to have a President who believes in the value of labor and the importance of a strong, diverse middle class.”
 
Local 317 represents workers in Wisconsin who perform building maintenance, and power plant operation and maintenance.  The Union’s largest signatory employer is We Energies headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Over 500 members work at the company’s electrical generating facilities as power plant operators and mechanics.  Other members work at local hotels, office buildings and entertainment facilities.