Union Workers in Crucial Swing States Reveal Issues Driving Their Support for VP Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris has been actively engaging with union workers in key battleground states, particularly in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Despite some unions declining to endorse her, Harris has maintained significant support among union households. In a recent Fox News poll, she held a 6-point lead over Trump, while a Quinnipiac poll indicated an 11-point advantage for her, consistent with a Reuters/Ipsos survey that found her up by 12 points among union household voters.
Harris has been vocal about her advocacy for labor, highlighting the importance of collective bargaining and fairness in the economy. Her recent visit to Michigan coincided with US dockworkers suspending their strike, which had the potential to disrupt the national economy. Harris praised the dockworkers’ efforts, stating that their union’s progress represented the power of collective bargaining.
In Michigan, Harris criticized Trump’s labor record, labeling his policies as “a disaster for working people” and accusing him of attempting to mislead the public. She emphasized $60 million in federal funding aimed at establishing an electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Flint, which is expected to create 150 jobs.
Despite some notable backlash, Harris has largely maintained the coalition of labor organizations that typically support Democratic nominees. The United Auto Workers (UAW) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have endorsed her, and she has received support from various local Teamsters unions.
Labor leaders anticipate that thousands of union members will mobilize to key swing states to canvass and operate phone banks. Large contingents are expected to journey from predominantly blue states like California, Illinois, and New York to pivotal battlegrounds such as Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The enthusiasm surrounding Harris, along with her background in California advocating for unions, places her in a strong position to rally labor support for her campaign. Her extensive history with labor unions, including her past statement about working at McDonald’s as a student and her support for initiatives aimed at combating wage theft and illegal labor practices, has been a motivating factor for these workers.
