Operating Engineers 324 was surprised to see Mike Duggan claim our endorsement for governor on Social Media yesterday, as it is entirely untrue.  Not only has Operating Engineers 324 endorsed a different candidate for Michigan’s gubernatorial race but have also actively and repeatedly spoken out against Duggan’s anti-worker and anti-union actions and statements.

These include:

• Repeatedly awarding city demolition contracts to questionable non-union contractors
• Propping up expensive, non-union, substandard construction training that undermines the wages and benefits of Detroit workers
• Threatening the safety of residents and employees of city facilities by supporting both the elimination of necessary boiler maintenance professionals, and failing to direct city employees to enforce rules on the books
• Committing multiple union-busting activities in his role at the Detroit Medical Center

When Duggan claims to “deliver for working people,” we do not know what working people he is referring to, but it is certainly not the 16,000 members of Operating Engineers 324.

That is precisely why Operating Engineers 324 has proudly endorsed Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson to be Michigan’s next governor.  This endorsement came in 2025 and showcases our support for Sheriff Swanson in recognition of his support for working people, the construction industry, community safety, and other ideals that we hold dear.  Sheriff Swanson is a tireless advocate for these things and has proven over and over to be a trustworthy and honest public servant.

We would expect a formal apology from the former mayor, but we learned long ago not to wait on Mike Duggan to do what’s right.