Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Governor Tim Walz doubled down on their commitment to unions during several appearances including at IBEW Local 5 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Local 5 was packed when, alongside IBEW President Kenneth W. Cooper, VP Harris recognized President Biden’s longtime loyalty to the labor movement. She also thanked unions for their critical role in shaping America.
“I love celebrating Labor Day,” said Harris. “You may not be a union member, but you better thank unions. When unions are strong, America is strong.”
Harris also warned the labor movement of a second Trump presidency, recalling his support for anti-union “right-to-work” laws that drive down wages and weaken union power. She also reminded the crowd how Trump appointed union busters to the National Labor Relations Board. Harris was the deciding vote on replacing those appointments with IBEW-endorsed, pro-labor leaders.
“Our campaign is focused on the future,” Harris said. “Theirs is focused on the past. We fight for a future where every senior can retire with dignity. We will continue to defend Social Security, Medicare and pensions.” Harris also addressed the importance of more good union jobs in her speech.
The Biden-Harris administration has created more than 16 million jobs since the pandemic. Harris states her administration will continue to grow jobs, especially by strengthening America’s manufacturing sector.
When IBEW President Cooper spoke at the same event, he connected Biden’s legacy to the future of labor: “Joe Biden is more than the most pro-union president in history. And he ensured his pro-union, pro-labor legacy will continue when he passed the torch to Kamala Harris.”
Earlier that day, Harris appeared in Detroit, Michigan, where Local 58 turned out more than 200 members, reported Registrar Jeffrey O’Donnell. “Today really showcases the power of labor, what we fight for, and why the holiday exists,” he said.
