Labor unions choose sides in Berman-Sherman congressional race

Organized labor is divided when it comes to having to choose between two of its longtime allies, Democratic Reps. Brad Sherman and Howard Berman, who are competing for the same newly drawn San Fernando Valley congressional district seat.

On Wednesday, Berman scored the endorsement of Service Employees International Union California, which represents some 700,000 janitors, social and healthcare workers, and school, city, county and state employees.

Earlier, Berman had announced backing from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States.

-- Jean Merl, Los Angeles Times

Photo: Reps. Howard Berman, left, and Brad Sherman at a recent candidates forum. Credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times