RIVERSIDE, CA — In a move that fundamentally accelerates the momentum of the race for Riverside County Board of Education, Trustee Area 1, Teamsters Joint Council 42 (JC 42) has officially announced its endorsement of Oliver Unaka. This powerhouse labor coalition brings a massive ground game and sends a clear message. 

Representing over 165,000 workers across Southern California, Southern Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam with the endorsement from JC 42—the largest Teamster council in the Western United States—signals a massive surge for Unaka’s campaign. This partnership bridges the gap between educational leadership and the hardworking families who form the backbone of Riverside County’s economy.

A Commitment to Career Pathways

The endorsement follows Unaka’s consistent advocacy for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and pre-apprenticeship programs that provide students with direct pathways into high-skill, high-wage careers. By aligning with the Teamsters, the Unaka campaign reinforces its mission to ensure every student in Riverside County is prepared for both college and the 21st-century workforce.

"Oliver Unaka understands that our schools are the engine of our future economy," said a representative for Teamsters Joint Council 42. "He isn’t just talking about student success; he is fighting for the vocational training and labor protections that allow our children to thrive right here in Riverside. The Teamsters are proud to stand with a leader who stands with working families."

The "Boots on the Ground" Shift

This endorsement marks a strategic pivot as the campaign enters its final stretch toward the June 2 primary. The partnership brings:

• Grassroots Mobilization: Immediate activation of labor organizers and volunteer canvassers throughout Trustee Area 1.

• Workforce Alignment: A unified front focused on strengthening the "College and Career" indicators for local school districts.

• Advocacy Power: A strengthened platform to address legislative policy and educational oversight at the county level.

Statement from Oliver Unaka

"I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Teamsters Joint Council 42," said Oliver Unaka. "From our logistics hubs to our public sector, Teamsters represent the grit and dedication that define our region. This campaign has always been about expanding opportunities for every student—whether they are headed to a four-year university or a specialized trade. With the Teamsters by our side, we are sending a clear message: we are building a future where every student in Riverside County has a seat at the table and a path to prosperity."

About Teamsters Joint Council 42

Joint Council 42 is the largest Teamster body in the Western United States. It is comprised of 22 local unions representing a diverse workforce of truck drivers, warehouse workers, public employees, and more. For over a century, they have been the vanguard of the labor movement in the Pacific Southwest.