UAW, Teamsters endorse Kerry

DETROIT, March 25 (UPI) -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry picked up support from two big labor unions Thursday, getting endorsements from the UAW and Teamsters.

The 18-member United Auto Workers International Executive Board meeting in Detroit unanimously endorsed the Massachusetts senator.

"John Kerry has a long and consistent record of standing up for America's working families," said UAW President Ron Gettlefinger.

In Orlando, Fla., the general board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters unanimously endorsed Kerry for president in a resolution. The Teamsters had endorsed Kerry in Milwaukee last month, switching from Rep. Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., who dropped out of the race.

Kerry also picked up an endorsement from the International Executive Board of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union after a rally in Washington.