Sean M. O'Brien, President of Teamsters Local 25, Praises the Massachusetts House of Representatives for Passing Gaming Legislation

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Apr 14, 2010, 08:04 ET

CHARLESTOWN, Mass., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking to his supporters at the Teamsters Local 25 Hall in Charlestown, a very upbeat and visibly pleased President Sean O'Brien, said, "Today, the House of Representatives took a courageous and significant step towards putting people back to work in Massachusetts." He continued, "On behalf of the 11,000 members of Teamsters Local 25, I want to both congratulate and thank Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo and his leadership team for standing up for labor. Every member of the House of Representative who voted for this legislation understands that while casinos aren't the only answer to the state's fiscal problems, they will definitely provide the shot in the arm Massachusetts needs to get our economy back up and running and get our unemployed members back to work".

O'Brien, who along with hundreds of his members have been visiting with legislators at the State House was energized by the significant margin of victory in the final roll call. He said, "The Speaker and his supporters looked into the eyes of many of our members and saw the fear of not having a job, the burden of not being able to pay their mortgage, or paying tuition, or putting food on the table. The legislators listened to our members concerns, they heard our pleas and their 'yes' vote today is a sign of hope for all of our unemployed members."

Two years ago, when the House defeated similar legislation, O'Brien made it clear to legislators that he considered that action a vote against labor. This afternoon, he reaffirmed that sentiment by saying, "It's important for everyone to take note: this legislation didn't pass unanimously. There were legislators who voted against the bill because of the so-called social ills and other problems they claim gaming creates. I would suggest to the 'nay' voters that unemployment is a catastrophic social ill. Personally, this legislation has always been about and will always be about putting constituents and members back to work. People in this state need jobs, and they need them now."

O'Brien concluded, "The fight isn't over so don't rest yet. Our focus now turns to the Senate. Rest assured that we will work twice as hard on your behalf to make our voices heard by every member of the State Senate – and more important, to bring desperately needed jobs back to the working men and women of Massachusetts."

Teamsters Local 25 is the largest Teamsters' union in New England, with 11,000-members residing throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. More information can be found at www.teamsterslocal25.com.

SOURCE Teamsters Local 25