The officers and trustees of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council (SFBCTC) extend their sincerest congratulations to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as she closes the book on a storied congressional career spanning nearly four decades.

Having honed her now-unmatched political prowess steadily and fearlessly since 1987, Pelosi has shown us what it means to be a true civic powerhouse on behalf of working families. Her legislative track record is proof positive of her constant willingness to fight for the workers of both San Francisco and the nation at large.

"By aligning her political and policy efforts with organized labor, Pelosi has set the standard for how Democrats can deliver for working families," said SFBCTC Secretary–Treasurer Rudy Gonzalez. "She has represented our congressional district with distinction, and she has tirelessly defended our democratic institutions while mentoring a generation of civic and community leaders along the way. She has rightfully earned her place among the most influential lawmakers in our lifetime.”

"From day one, Pelosi has stood with labor," said SFBCTC President Larry Mazzola. "She has been a stalwart on behalf of blue-collar workers and has never backed down from the tough fights when it counted most. From advancing infrastructure funding to leading her caucus to save the pensions of thousands of union members across the United States, she's always been with us. We are forever grateful for her steadfast leadership in Congress and her loyal friendship to San Francisco’s working class."

Just a brief sampling of Pelosi’s greatest hits for workers’ rights include the following:

• Active, vocal support for the passage of the PRO Act

• Support for family and medical leave, particularly their expansion during the Covid pandemic

• Consistent opposition to right-to-work laws in states such as Wisconsin and Michigan

• Promotion of strict workplace safety standards, particularly through strengthening OSHA

• Investment in good union infrastructure jobs, particularly through leading efforts to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021

Pelosi’s is a legacy that speaks for itself. Just like so many of the long-serving senior trades members represented by this council, she has more than earned her right to retire knowing that her career of hard work will help lead the way to a brighter future for the next generation. While we will miss her dogged advocacy in Washington, D.C., we are clear-eyed about the road ahead — and we expect her to stay involved as a close ally of organized labor.

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