It’s been quite a day for Jim Kenney.

First, he announced the endorsement of State Rep. Brian Sims and a group of LGBT leaders.

Now, the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO is also backing his mayoral campaign.

“Jim Kenney is the right choice for Philadelphia. As a Councilman, he stood up time and again to defend working families on everything from prevailing wage to the right to organize. The son of a union firefighter from South Philadelphia, Jim has always focused on families in every neighborhood because he knows Philadelphia is not truly succeeding unless everyone is moving forward. We look forward to working with Jim to create a city where everyone has access to fair, safe working conditions and a living wage,” said Philadelphia AFL-CIO President Patrick J. Eiding.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of these hardworking men and women,” Kenney responded. “Having grown up in a union household, I understand that the most important thing a public official can do is to give people the opportunity to work and to protect their rights once they’re employed. As mayor, I’ll fight every day for Philadelphians’ right to a living wage, paid sick leave and safe work sites.”

The union represents about 130,000 Philadelphia employees.

As Holly Otterbein of Citified reported, this endorsement is the culmination of much effort from IBEW 98 Business Manager John Dougherty.

Dougherty wanted labor united in this race as opposed to the chaotic 2007 election which led to the election of Mayor Michael Nutter, a man who has been far from a favorite of unions.

The hope of labor leaders like Dougherty is that their collective muscle will help push Kenney over the finish line.