Vice President Harris, President Biden, and Gov. Walz Rally Union Support on Labour Day

Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off Labour Day in Detroit, Michigan, where she engaged with union members and delivered a speech highlighting the critical role of organised labour.

Joined by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Representative Elissa Slotkin, and Representative Debbie Dingell, Harris praised unions for their contributions to American workers and the middle class.

At Northwestern High School, Harris emphasised, “On Labour Day, and every day, we celebrate the dignity of work. Unions helped build America and the American middle class. Every advancement, from the five-day work week to paid leave, owes a debt to union labour.”

Union leaders supported Harris’s message, including United Autoworkers President Shawn Fain and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. Later in the day, Harris was set to join President Biden in Pittsburgh for a joint campaign event at a union hall.

This event marked their first joint appearance since Biden’s decision to seek re-election and featured informal remarks from both leaders. Prominent unions and local officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Bob Casey, Mayor Ed Gainey, Representatives Summer Lee, Madeleine Dean, and Chris Deluzio, were expected to attend.

Governor Tim Walz and his wife Gwen began his Labour Day by meeting with workers in St. Paul, Minnesota, before travelling to Laborfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event attracted vital labour groups such as SEIU, Teamsters, United Autoworkers, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Gwen Moore, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event at Northwe…Show more Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Meanwhile, Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, participated in Rep. Bobby Scott’s annual Labour Day Cookout in Newport News, Virginia, where he also delivered remarks. The Harris campaign highlighted her longstanding commitment to workers, noting her efforts as California Attorney General and Senator to protect workers’ rights and support union organising.

The campaign also targeted former President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining labour interests and supporting policies favourable to wealthy corporations.

As the Biden administration continues its push for union support, Labour Day was a pivotal opportunity to reinforce their dedication to workers and their rights before the upcoming election.

Sola Adeniji

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