New York City union leaders are speaking out against the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), saying the group’s policies are out of touch with the needs of blue-collar workers. Robert ‘Bobby’ Bartels, Jr., the business manager of Steamfitters Local 638, expressed frustration with the DSA’s radical views, which he believes do not support the working class.

Union Leaders Criticize DSA Candidates

Bartels specifically criticized DSA candidates Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, who recently won primary elections in New York. He argued that their policies, such as open border policies, would drive down wages for union members and hurt American workers. ‘They’re bringing in illegal immigrants to steal Americans’ jobs and lower the rates,’ Bartels said.

Brian Kearney, the president of Steamfitters Local 638, also expressed concerns about the DSA’s alignment with labor. ‘I think that DSA is going to have to try to find inroads through the labor movement in New York City because the labor movement in New York City — and I don’t want to speak for everybody, but you know, personally — it feels like we align on things when we can, but a lot more of their policy has gone towards progressive politics that could end up getting in the way sometimes,’ Kearney said.

Concerns About Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Kearney also criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been a supporter of the DSA. ‘He’s mentioned union labor, union labor, union labor quite a few times throughout his campaign,’ Kearney said. ‘Affordable housing was a big political issue in New York City. He said it was going to be built, and it was going to be built by union labor, but nothing’s been done yet, you know what I mean?’

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.