Robert "Bobby" Bartels, Jr., business manager of Steamfitters Local 638 in New York City, publicly criticized Democratic Socialists of America politicians and the direction of the Democratic Party during an interview with Fox News Digital. The union, which has operated for 150 years and traditionally supported Democratic candidates, broke ranks last year to endorse President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
Recent primary victories by DSA members have intensified frustrations among blue-collar labor leaders. Darializa Avila Chevalier won New York's 13th Congressional District primary, and Claire Valdez won New York's 7th Congressional District primary against incumbent Democrats. Both candidates are affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America organization.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive supporters argue that DSA politicians represent genuine working-class interests by advocating for affordable housing, healthcare access, and policies designed to protect low-income workers from exploitation. Advocates say socialist candidates ran on platforms explicitly supporting union rights and collective bargaining protections.
Supporters point to DSA's stated commitment to labor organizing as evidence of alignment with blue-collar workers' long-term economic interests. Progressive commentators have noted that immigration reform could expand the pool of workers eligible for union membership, potentially strengthening organized labor over time.
What the Right Is Saying
Bartels accused DSA politicians of being out of touch with traditional working-class Democrats and called their approach communist in nature. He argued that progressive policies, particularly on immigration, threaten to drive down wages for American union members by increasing competition for jobs.
Brian Kearney, president of Steamfitters Local 638, expressed concern that many DSA policy positions conflict with building trades priorities. He said the mayor's focus on socialist-leaning initiatives has not translated into tangible support for union labor projects as promised.
Bartels stated he has heard growing sentiment among building trades workers that they are moving away from Democratic Party affiliation. He specifically criticized what he called policies that bring in undocumented immigrants to fill jobs at reduced rates, saying this undermines American workers' opportunities.
What the Numbers Show
Steamfitters Local 638 represents steamfitters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, welders, and industrial mechanical service technicians in New York City. The union has maintained operations for exactly 150 years, according to its leadership.
DSA candidates Avila Chevalier and Valdez defeated established Democratic incumbents in competitive primary races last week. Neither candidate responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital about these criticisms.
The Bottom Line
The tension between traditional labor Democrats and progressive socialist politicians highlights a growing divide within the broader left coalition. Steamfitters Local 638 represents one of the most significant union breaks from party orthodoxy, having endorsed Trump in 2024 after decades of Democratic support. Whether this signals a broader realignment among blue-collar unions remains to be seen. The DSA politicians did not respond to requests for comment on these criticisms.