Latest news with #LaborersUnion
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- General
- Los Angeles Times
How One Woman is Rebuilding Her Life and Her Community in Altadena
This video is about Sandra Molina, a single mom of three who turned her life around with the help of the Laborers Union. Her day starts at 4:00 a.m. where she's already getting ready for her 12 hour shift as a hazmat worker. A tough job she loves. Her journey wasn't easy. After becoming addicted to drugs at 17, Sandra spent years living on the streets. The turning point came when she found out she was pregnant at 22. That changed everything. Deciding to build a better future for her child and eventually all three of her kids, she found an opportunity through the Laborers Union apprenticeship program. The program gave her skills and a new start. Today Sandra is part of a crew in Altadena clearing ash and debris from properties destroyed by disaster. It's hard work, physical work, she has to suit up in protective gear and handle contaminated materials, but for Sandra it's deeply meaningful. She finds a connection between her own life's reconstruction and the work she does every day. 'It feels good to be here and to be doing something for the community,' she said. 'Because once the ash and debris removal has happened to the property, that means the homeowner can come and reclaim it and start thinking about rebuilding.' Everything Sandra does is for her three kids. They are the reason she kept going when everything felt impossible. 'When I felt like everything was going to swallow me whole I would look over at them and I'd be like I can't give up. I have three people depending on me.' Now she can provide for them in ways she never thought possible – a stable home, school supplies and money in the bank. Her oldest daughter Abigail sees the sacrifice and dedication firsthand and knows how hard her mom works to give them a better life. Sandra is not just rebuilding homes for others, she's building a foundation for the next generation. Find full episodes of the LA Times Studios podcast 'Rebuilding LA' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
New York Post
22-04-2025
- Business
- New York Post
NY's hard hat Laborers' Union with 40K members backs Andrew Cuomo for NYC mayor
Andrew Cuomo has picked up another key hard hat endorsement Tuesday in the race for New York City mayor, winning the backing of the Laborers' International Union. The New York affiliate of the Laborers Union represents 40,000 members in New York State, which further cements the former governor's support within the construction trades. The union backed Cuomo's rival in the June Democratic primary, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, in the 2021 mayor's race. 3 The Laborers' International Union endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City. Kevin C. Downs for The New York Post 'New York City is the cultural, economic, and social engine of the world—and leading it requires vision, grit, and proven experience,' said Donato Bianco, Jr., LIUNA vice president. 'In times of change, we need someone who can anticipate challenges, make tough decisions, and adapt with courage and conviction. Andrew Cuomo has done it before, and he's ready to do it again,' Bianco said. 'With a deep love for this city, a record of real results for working men and women, and the strength to lead in uncertain times, Andrew Cuomo is the clear choice for Mayor. He has earned our full endorsement.' The union cited Cuomo's record of building and infrastructure improvements during his 10 years as governor, particularly noting the completion of the first leg of the Second Avenue subway line, the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station and makeovers of LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports. The Laborers build and repair highways and roads, bridges and office towers, schools, airports; dig tunnels and lay subway and sewer lines, as well as removing asbestos and other hazards. Cuomo welcomed the latest endorsement from the labor movement. 3 LIUNA vice president Donato Bianco, Jr. touted Cuomo's 'record of real results for working men and women' in the endorsement. Gina M Randazzo/ZUMA Press Wire / 'The Laborers are the definition of 'New York Tough' – they bring true grit to the job and they do their job well. Whether it is rebuilding our subways, digging through tunnels, repairing our roads or constructing our bridges, their contributions show why organized labor must be part of the solution,' Cuomo said. 'As governor, I made sure they received a hard day's pay for a hard day's work, and as mayor I'll make sure their voice is heard on projects that get the job done for this great city.' Cuomo, 67, has emerged as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary for mayor according to polls, despite resigning as governor in 2021 amid a slew of sexual misconduct accusations that he denies. 3 LIUNA has 40,000 members in New York state. David McGlynn He has racked up the most labor union endorsements, despite facing a torrent of criticism from his mayoral rivals and others over the harassment accusations and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing homes. House Republicans just urged the Trump Justice Department to prosecute Cuomo for making 'criminally false statements' to Congress regarding his role in low-balling COVID-linked deaths of nursing home residents during the pandemic. He dismissed the referral as a partisan hit job. The ex-governor previously secured the backing of the Iron Workers and unions representing operating engineers, carpenters and painters; Local 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the unions representing paramedics and EMTS and Teamsters Local 237.
