Labor Leaders Take Center Stage at Democratic National Convention in Chicago
During Monday’s primetime at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, key leaders from several major labor unions will address attendees as the Democratic Party seeks to engage an essential voting demographic.
Notable Speakers Representing Labor Unions
At least seven prominent union representatives are set to speak, including Shawn Fain, President of the United Automobile Workers (UAW); April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU); and Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Other speakers include Brent Booker from the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Kenneth W. Cooper of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Claude Cummings of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and Liz Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
Sean O’Brien’s Absence from the Stage
Interestingly, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien will not be among those addressing the convention in Chicago. Despite his request for a speaking slot at both the Republican and Democratic conventions, O’Brien’s absence has been confirmed by convention officials. While the Teamsters, who backed President Biden’s bid in 2020, will not publicly voice support this cycle, they are still scheduled for representation at the event.
Highlighting Union Support Within Congress
The convention will also witness speeches from several congressional allies of organized labor, featuring prominent figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, and Senator Gary Peters from Michigan. These leaders underscore the growing connection between labor unions and federal lawmakers.
A Growing Voting Block
Statistically, over 2.7 million union members reside in pivotal battleground states where support remains tight between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Recent polls indicate that while 56% of union members voted for Biden in 2020, there are rising concerns about Trump attracting Democratic support within union circles.
Prospects for the Harris-Walz Campaign
The Harris-Walz campaign is optimistic that heightened visibility and backing from union leadership coupled with an extensive get-out-the-vote strategy will resonate with undecided rank-and-file members. Campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez emphasized the tangible nature of these union endorsements, viewing them not merely as rhetoric but as crucial organizing leverage.
Campaigns for Support and Engagement
Upon her candidacy declaration, Harris quickly garnered the backing of most major labor unions. During a recent battleground state tour, both she and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, formerly involved in a teachers’ union, participated in a UAW event in Michigan and addressed the AFSCME convention in Los Angeles.
Harris’s Pro-Labor Record
Harris’ efforts to advocate for labor rights are well-documented, from her time as the Attorney General in California—where she addressed employer wage theft issues—to her vice-presidential role, casting critical votes for the American Rescue Plan, encompassing support for pension plans.
Union Investment in Election Campaigns
Major unions, including SEIU and the AFL-CIO, are investing significantly in campaign initiatives, deploying hundreds of millions in canvassing and door-knocking operations to bolster support for Harris and Walz’s candidacy. Notably, Culinary Union Local 226 in Las Vegas will initiate targeted canvassing in favor of Harris, advocating against taxes on tipped wages as part of their campaign strategy.
Chicago’s Labor Legacy
Chicago’s historical ties to the labor movement were pivotal in securing the convention’s location. The city boasts venues supported by numerous union workers, reinforcing its identity as a stronghold of grassroots labor activism. Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, highlighted the city’s commitment to a labor-supported convention and its historical symbiosis with the American labor movement.
