Steamfitters Local 638 Leaders Blast Democrats, DSA Over 150-Year Union's Blue-Collar Split
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 28
Steamfitters Local 638 Leaders Blast Democrats, DSA Over 150-Year Union's Blue-Collar Split
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 28
Summary
Two top leaders of New York City’s Steamfitters Local 638 said Democrats and the Democratic Socialists of America no longer represent blue-collar workers, arguing the party has moved too far left.
Robert “Bobby” Bartels Jr. said progressive policies and illegal immigration undercut union wages and jobs, while accusing DSA-backed candidates of claiming to support a working class they do not reflect.
Brian Kearney said building trades can align with parts of the left’s agenda but much of DSA politics clashes with labor priorities, especially in construction and skilled trades.
Kearney also faulted Mayor Zohran Mamdani for advancing rent-freeze and other socialist priorities before delivering on campaign promises to build affordable housing with union labor.
The criticism underscores a wider erosion of traditional Democratic support in parts of organized labor; Local 638, which has backed Democrats for most of its 150 years, endorsed Donald Trump in 2024.