Story highlights The transit union represents 38,000 transport workers and 26,000 retirees in the New York City region

New York voters go to the polls next week

Washington (CNN) Bernie Sanders scored an endorsement from a major New York union Wednesday with less than a week before the state's primary.

The Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents 38,000 transport workers and 26,000 retirees in the New York City region, endorsed the Vermont senator ahead of Tuesday's New York primary.

"I am honored and grateful to have the support from such a fantastic union," Sanders said at a Brooklyn event announcing the endorsement.

The endorsement comes as Sanders received his first Senate endorsement from Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley . Sanders' colleague called him "a determined leader."

After the union's announcement, Sanders joined striking Verizon workers on a picket line in Brooklyn.

Read More