Biden and Harris Champion Labour Rights on Labor Day
On Labour Day 2024, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made a strong case for their pro-labour record during their first joint campaign event since the Democratic convention. The setting was a bustling Pittsburgh union hall, where the pair delivered passionate speeches aimed at cementing their support among union workers ahead of the November elections.
Celebrating Labour Day with a Pro-Union Message
In a packed hall adorned with “Pittsburgh Proud, Union Strong” shirts, Biden and Harris underscored their commitment to workers’ rights and their track record on labour issues. The event was part of their broader campaign blitz to connect with union members and reinforce their pro-labour credentials.
Biden and Harris’s Labour Day Address
Biden opened the night with a powerful address highlighting the administration’s achievements:
- “Kamala and I are proud of protecting the pensions of over 1 million workers and retirees,” Biden declared.
- He also boasted about job creation numbers: “60 million new jobs so far, including 800,000 manufacturing jobs!”
The president vowed that Harris would continue this pro-labour legacy if elected. “Kamala will build on our progress,” he promised, adding that he would support her from the sidelines.
Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments and praised his unwavering support for unions. “Joe Biden has always stood with the workers of America and labour unions of America,” she stated emphatically.
Harris’s Labour Day Tour and Her Commitment to Workers
Earlier in the day, Harris began the Labour Day festivities in Detroit. There, she met with union members and spoke at Northwestern High School, where she emphasised the significance of union contributions to American labour standards.
- “Unions helped build America’s middle class,” Harris said, acknowledging their role in securing benefits like the five-day work week, sick leave, and paid vacation.
Harris’s remarks were complemented by a robust show of support from union leaders, including United Autoworkers President Shawn Fain and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, who joined her on stage.
Comparing Labour Records: Biden-Harris vs. Trump
Biden and Harris used their speeches to draw a sharp contrast with former President Donald Trump’s labour policies. They criticised Trump’s administration for its stance on unions:
- “Trump was one of the most anti-worker and anti-union presidents in history,” Harris’s campaign stated.
- The campaign accused Trump of stacking the National Labour Relations Board with anti-labour advocates, harming autoworkers, and prioritising the wealthy over the middle class.
In contrast, Biden and Harris highlighted their achievements, such as supporting worker organising and improving labour rights through various measures.
Governor Walz and Harris’s Labour Day Activities
In addition to the Pittsburgh event, Governor Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, participated in Labour Day events in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Walz joined notable figures from major labour organisations, including SEIU, Teamsters, and United Autoworkers.
Meanwhile, Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, engaged with workers in Newport News, Virginia, at Rep. Bobby Scott’s annual Labour Day Cookout.
Harris’s Labour Legacy and Future Goals
Harris’s commitment to workers has been a central theme throughout her career:
- As California’s Attorney General, she tackled wage theft to ensure workers received fair pay.
- In the Senate, she supported vulnerable workers and introduced a domestic workers’ bill of rights.
- She currently chairs The White House Task Force on Worker Organising, which aims to simplify the process for workers to join unions.
Conclusion: A Strong Labour Day Message
The Labour Day events featuring President Biden and Vice President Harris showcased their unwavering commitment to labour rights and union support. Their speeches and activities underscore their dedication to continuing pro-labour policies and building on their accomplishments.
As the November election approaches, Biden and Harris are leveraging their Labour Day engagements to reinforce their pro-union stance and differentiate themselves from their opponents, particularly former President Trump.
For union workers and supporters of labour rights, Biden and Harris’s message is clear: they are champions of the working class and advocates for stronger labour protections.
