Unions Rally Around Kamala Harris as 2024 Labor Vote Heats Up

 

As the 2024 election approaches, U.S. unions are throwing their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, signaling a strong push to maintain the Biden administration’s pro-labor stance. This support comes as both Democrats and Republicans gear up for a contentious battle over the labor vote in November.

Harris, a long-time advocate for labor rights, has garnered endorsements from several major unions, including the 1.9 million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Communications Workers of America. These unions appreciate Harris's track record of supporting worker protections and her active role in advancing labor-friendly policies, such as safe staffing standards for nursing home workers.

Other unions backing Harris include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the American Federation of Teachers, and the United Food and Commercial Workers. The National Education Association and United Auto Workers, who previously supported President Biden, have yet to endorse Harris officially.

United Food and Commercial Workers President Marc Perrone highlighted Harris’s commitment to worker issues, citing her efforts during the pandemic and her key votes on pension relief and prescription drug costs. In contrast, former President Donald Trump, who has received endorsements from the International Union of Police Associations and the Florida Police Benevolent Association, faces criticism from labor leaders due to his historically anti-union policies.

Trump’s campaign has sought to appeal to blue-collar voters, with his vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, criticizing Wall Street and expressing support for last year’s auto strike. However, Trump’s administration was marked by policies that weakened labor rights, including changes to the National Labor Relations Board and efforts to cut funding for the board.

Harris’s backing reflects a broader labor movement that sees her as a continuation of Biden’s pro-union legacy. Despite some union leaders’ discontent with Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race, Harris appears well-positioned to uphold and advance the administration’s labor-friendly policies.

J’nee DeLancey, a UFCW member, expressed enthusiasm for Harris, noting the candidate's commitment to diverse and community-rooted labor issues. As the election nears, the debate over labor rights and union support will be a central issue, with Harris and Trump representing opposing visions for the future of American workers.