Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a powerful speech on Labor Day in Detroit, highlighting the significance of unions and the dignity of work. Addressing a crowd of union members and leaders at a high school gymnasium, Harris emphasized the crucial role that unions have played in shaping America's workforce and middle class.
Harris expressed gratitude towards the labor movement for championing worker protections, attributing benefits such as the five-day workweek, sick leave, and vacation time to the efforts of unions. She underscored the ripple effect of union strength, noting that when union wages rise, it positively impacts wages across the board, and when union workplaces prioritize safety, all workplaces benefit.
Reflecting on her upbringing attending rallies and meetings with her progressive parents in California, Harris highlighted the power of unity in driving meaningful change. She stressed the importance of solidarity, stating that collective action can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
The Vice President also took aim at former President Donald Trump, criticizing his policies as detrimental to workers. This prompted some attendees to chant, “Trump’s a scab,” a sentiment echoed by United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain.
Joining Harris on stage were prominent national union leaders, including American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and National Education Association President Becky Pringle. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to advancing workers' rights and strengthening the labor movement.
In her pledge to support American workers, Harris vowed to champion the PRO Act, legislation designed to safeguard workers' rights to unionize and collectively bargain for workplace improvements. She also vowed to combat union busting practices, aiming to protect the integrity of unions once and for all.
