Blue-collar union leaders condemn socialist wing, predict Democratic Party exodus among workers
Leaders from one of New York City’s most established labor organizations have issued a sharp rebuke against the Democratic Party’s socialist faction, warning that progressive policies are driving blue-collar workers away from Democrats. Robert “Bobby” Bartels Jr., business manager of Steamfitters Local 638, and Brian Kearney, the union’s president, voiced concerns that the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) no longer represents the interests of working-class Americans who pay taxes and build infrastructure. The union, which has existed for 150 years and historically backed Democratic candidates, broke with tradition by endorsing President Donald Trump in 2024.
Bartels described DSA members as “communists” who lack genuine support for workers earning their livelihoods through manual labor. He argued that the organization caters instead to people seeking government assistance without contributing through work. The business manager emphasized that as Democrats shift further left, more members of building trades unions are abandoning the party altogether.
Socialist primary victories spark backlash from labor representatives
The criticism intensified following recent primary elections in New York, where DSA-affiliated candidates defeated incumbent Democrats in several districts. Darializa Avila Chevalier secured victory in New York’s 13th Congressional District, while Claire Valdez won in the 7th Congressional District. Both candidates embrace radical policy positions that drew scrutiny during their campaigns. Bartels expressed frustration that these politicians claim to champion working-class causes while pursuing agendas he views as harmful to union members.
“Because I’m the working class, and they’re not here to support me,” Bartels explained. “They want to support the people who want to take from the working class.” He specifically criticized what he characterized as open border policies that allow undocumented immigrants to compete for jobs, thereby depressing wages for union workers. The union leader accused progressive lawmakers of being narcissists who double down on failed policies instead of correcting course when initiatives produce negative results.
Building trades union questions alignment with DSA priorities
Steamfitters Local 638 represents blue-collar workers across multiple specialties, including:
- Steamfitters and pipefitters
- HVAC technicians
- Welders
- Industrial service technicians
- Mechanical service technicians
Kearney acknowledged that the union has traditionally identified as “working class labor Democrats” but noted growing divergence between labor interests and DSA policy objectives. He stated that while the organization tries to find common ground with progressive politicians when possible, many DSA initiatives lean toward causes that conflict with building trades priorities. The president suggested that the Democratic Socialists would need to establish stronger connections with New York City’s labor movement to gain credibility among workers in construction and industrial sectors.
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Mayor Mamdani’s unfulfilled union labor promises draw criticism
Kearney directed specific criticism toward Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has advanced several progressive initiatives since taking office but has yet to deliver on campaign pledges regarding union labor. On Thursday night, the New York City Rent Guidelines Board voted to freeze rent, fulfilling one of Mamdani’s core campaign promises. However, the union president pointed out that the mayor repeatedly promised to use union labor for affordable housing construction throughout his campaign but has taken no concrete action on that commitment.
“He’s mentioned union labor, union labor, union labor quite a few times throughout his campaign,” Kearney said. “Affordable housing was a big 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.” The union leader indicated that while Mamdani has successfully implemented what he described as “super socialist” policies, the mayor has not followed through on promises to utilize union labor for city construction projects.
Working-class concerns highlight growing Democratic divide
The statements from Steamfitters Local 638 leadership underscore a widening gap between traditional labor organizations and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Bartels characterized Democrats in power as disconnected from the realities facing Americans who work in physically demanding jobs and contribute tax revenue. He expressed offense at politicians like Avila Chevalier claiming to represent working-class interests while advocating policies he believes undermine those very workers.
The union leaders’ comments reflect broader tensions within Democratic coalitions as the party navigates ideological divisions between establishment figures and socialist-aligned candidates. Bartels warned that immigration policies allowing undocumented workers to compete for jobs represent a direct threat to union members’ economic security. He accused progressive lawmakers of working to “tear down the people that are working and building everything” through policies that prioritize other constituencies over laborers in skilled trades. Neither Mamdani, Valdez, nor Avila Chevalier responded to requests for comment regarding the union leaders’ criticisms.
