New York Labor Leaders’ Ties to Venezuela’s Socialist Government
Some notable labor union leaders in New York have reportedly acted as proponents for Venezuela’s socialist government, originally under Nicolás Maduro, as analyzed by labor watchdog organizations.
In 2017, three officials from New York state labor unions traveled to Venezuela on an invitation from the Venezuelan Transport Workers’ Union to witness the Constituent Assembly elections. Interestingly, they offered somewhat restrained criticism of the Maduro administration, which has since been ousted.
The group included Estela Vasquez, who was then the executive vice president of the 1199 SEIU Health Care Workers Union East, John Patafio, vice president of Transportation Workers Union Local 11, and Judy Gonzalez, former president of the New York State Nursing Association.
In media linked to the socialist government, one speaker stated that people should visit Venezuela to understand its situation firsthand. Relying on major international media outlets like CNN or the New York Times, he argued, only reflects the narrative of the elite, not the reality faced by ordinary Venezuelans.
Another union leader echoed this sentiment, insisting that 99% of Venezuelans support their government and desire peace and the social achievements realized under the Bolivarian Revolution.
The headline of the article noted, “U.S. Union Activists Expose Mass Media’s Lies About Venezuelan Congress.”
Vasquez’s union co-hosted the event and delivered the opening address. Notably, Maduro had been brought to the U.S. by the Trump administration facing serious charges, including narco-terrorism.
Gonzalez reported that the elections were well-organized and devoid of violence, emphasizing how moved she was to see participation from young people and women.
Patafio supported her view, saying he has witnessed many union elections and found no signs of fraud. He observed a transparent process with engaged community members.
Attempts to reach Vasquez, Patafio, and Gonzalez for comments were unsuccessful.
Organizations like Human Rights Watch classified Venezuela as a dictatorship at the time, reporting on the government’s efforts to suppress dissent and violate human rights.
Recently, union leaders voiced their opposition to the U.S. military’s detainment of the Maduro couple on drug-related charges.
Benjamin Dichter, a lawyer from the United Auto Workers union, called for the immediate release of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores.
The Labor Fact Center criticized labor leaders for their perceived alignment with a repressive regime, describing it as hypocritical and disconnected from reality.
John Samuelsen, the current president of TWU, clarified that the union did not finance Patafio’s trip, asserting that he traveled independently. It’s worth noting that Patafio had been dismissed from his position for allegedly trying to discipline a bus driver’s representative inappropriately.
