Kamala Harris labor support/ Trump labor rally/ dockworkers strike suspended/ 2024 election labor endorsements/ Harris Trump union voters/ Newslooks/ DETROIT/ MICHIGAN/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning in Flint, Michigan, fighting for labor support in a battleground state as dockworkers suspend their strike in pursuit of a new contract. Harris and Donald Trump are both vying for working-class votes in the 2024 election, with unions split on endorsements, reflecting shifting political loyalties.
Harris and Trump Compete for Labor Support Quick Looks
- Labor showdown: Vice President Kamala Harris visits Flint, Michigan, after dockworkers suspend their strike to negotiate a new contract.
- Union divide: Despite backing from key unions like the AFL-CIO, Harris has not secured endorsements from major labor groups like the International Association of Fire Fighters.
- Trump’s labor push: Trump claims Republicans are now the “party of the American worker,” appealing to blue-collar voters.
- Election impact: Both Harris and Trump are focusing on labor as unions play a pivotal role in the battleground states.
Harris & Trump Compete for Union Backing as Dockworkers Pause Strike
Deep Look
Vice President Kamala Harris made a high-profile campaign stop in Flint, Michigan, on Friday, seeking to win over working-class voters in one of the country’s key battleground states. Her visit comes on the heels of a significant development: U.S. dockworkers have suspended their strike to negotiate a new contract. The strike’s pause avoids a major disruption to the U.S. economy, which could have become a crucial election issue.
Harris, the Democratic nominee in the 2024 election, praised the dockworkers’ decision and highlighted the importance of collective bargaining. In a statement, she said the agreement “indicates progress toward a strong contract and represents the power of collective bargaining,” emphasizing that “dockworkers deserve a fair share for their hard work.”
Despite Harris’ ongoing support for labor unions, her campaign faces challenges securing key endorsements. Earlier this week, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced that it would not back a candidate this year, following a similar move by the Teamsters. Both unions had endorsed President Joe Biden in 2020, but the decision not to back Harris reflects a growing divide within the labor movement.
The Teamsters and the IAFF’s hesitation to endorse Harris stands in contrast to the support she has received from other unions. The AFL-CIO, national teachers unions, the building trades, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) have all endorsed her campaign. However, the split within the labor community underscores how political loyalties have shifted in recent years. Democrats have historically been backed by union workers, but the GOP is making inroads with voters who did not attend college, particularly in blue-collar jobs.
Republican nominee Donald Trump, who held a rally in Michigan on Thursday, claimed that his party is now “the party of the American worker,” glossing over his anti-union stance during his presidency. Trump focused on labor unrest at U.S. ports, claiming that “under my leadership, Americans won’t have to go on strike for a better wage or a better life.” The statement reflected Trump’s ongoing effort to appeal to working-class voters who may feel left behind by traditional political parties.
Trump’s campaign has capitalized on growing discontent among blue-collar workers, winning 62% of white voters without college degrees in 2020. His support among non-white voters without college degrees remains low at 24%, but Trump continues to push for greater inroads with unionized workers. This approach frustrates many Democrats, especially given the Biden administration’s strong support for unions. Last year, Biden made headlines by joining UAW workers on a picket line.
Harris’ visit to Flint is part of her broader effort to appeal to union voters, many of whom have historically supported Democrats. Lisa Anderson, a long-time school administrative assistant and AFSCME member, expressed confidence that Harris has the backing of the labor movement. “If you’re voting for Trump, how can you believe in unions?” Anderson said, wearing an “AFSCME for Harris-Walz” shirt at a campaign event in Wisconsin.
Labor relations were poised to become a central issue in the final weeks of the election if the dockworkers strike had continued. Prolonged labor unrest could have led to massive port slowdowns, affecting supply chains and causing shortages. Biden expressed relief that negotiations were progressing, saying, “We’ve been working hard on it… With the grace of God, and the goodwill of neighbors, it’s gonna hold.”
The dockworkers’ decision to suspend their strike, along with tentative agreements for salary increases, may calm tensions in the labor community. However, other issues still need to be addressed before a long-term agreement is reached.
As the 2024 election approaches, both Harris and Trump are vying for the support of working-class voters, who could play a critical role in tipping the scales. With Michigan and other battleground states in play, labor unions will continue to be a significant political force that both candidates hope to sway.
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