Two candidates from Bainbridge Island have picked up endorsements from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 282.

Machinists Local 282 is endorsing Matthew Tirman for Bainbridge Island City Council, District 3, and Mike Spence for the Bainbridge Island School Board.

The union also endorsed Bremerton candidates Greg Wheeler (mayor), Suzanne G. Griffith (council, District 1) and Adam C. Brockus (council, District 3).

The union interviewed candidates from Bainbridge and Bremerton at a special meeting held by the local in June. The candidates were given up to 2 minutes to introduce themselves and were then pressed during a question-and-answer session by union members.

Officials with Machinists Local 282 said candidates were questioned about their commitment to good wages and fair treatment to working Americans, their belief in equal rights, and their support of trade unionism.

All of the endorsements in the 2017 Primary Election were approved by a majority of the members present, officials said. The local also noted it reserves the right to revise its endorsements after the primary.

“Good wages, fair treatment and equal rights to working men and women is what the Machinists Union is all about and we believe these candidates demonstrated in word and deed these principles,” said Machinists Local 282 President Stephen Miller. “We encourage all voters to consider these issues as they decide who to vote for in both the August Primary and November General Election.”

Local 282 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is the union representative for many employees across Kitsap County and on both sides of the Puget Sound, including the city of Bainbridge Island, the Navy, Lockheed and others.