Biden Embraces Union Roots as 2024 Campaign Gains Momentum

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Joe Biden kicked off his presidential run in 2020 with a powerful statement at a union hall in Pittsburgh, declaring himself a staunch supporter of labor. As he prepares for his re-election bid, the President has chosen a union gathering in Pennsylvania as the venue for his first political rally, underscoring his reliance on labor backing to secure a second term, particularly in a crucial battleground state.

The choice of Philadelphia’s convention center for Saturday’s rally is not accidental. By rallying labor activists, Biden’s campaign aims to ignite enthusiasm and leverage early organizing efforts. This strategy could eventually lead to increased Democratic voter turnout in Pennsylvania’s suburbs and other pivotal areas that helped him win the state in 2020, where he was born, against Donald Trump.

Mary Kay Henry, the international president of the 2-million-member Service Employees International Union, emphasized Biden’s deep understanding that a strong labor movement is synonymous with a robust economy and democracy. She stated, “He recognizes the vital role that working people and unions play in achieving his objectives.”

Several prominent unions, including the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, announced their endorsements of Biden’s 2024 campaign on Friday. This coordinated early endorsement, a first in the presidential election cycle, aims to send a strong message of unified support from the labor movement. Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and head of the AFL-CIO’s political committee, emphasized the commitment to rallying all of labor behind Biden’s re-election and ensuring his victory.

This announcement mirrors the joint endorsement of Biden’s re-election by leading environmental and climate groups earlier in the week.

Biden has taken executive actions to promote worker organizing, publicly praised unionization efforts at major corporations such as Amazon, and authorized federal funding to assist union members’ pensions. Additionally, he has traveled extensively across the country, highlighting how union labor is instrumental in building bridges and improving infrastructure, as seen in the bipartisan $1.1 trillion public works package passed by Congress in 2021.

Despite a recent increase in the number of union members, overall union membership rates in the country reached an all-time low in 2022. Nevertheless, major unions have established extensive get-out-the-vote campaigns that Biden is relying on to mobilize his supporters in critical swing states.

However, the relationship between the White House and labor has faced challenges. In December, some union activists criticized Biden for signing legislation that prevented a nationwide rail strike. Last month, the United Auto Workers withheld immediate endorsement of Biden’s re-election campaign due to concerns over the administration’s push for transitioning to electric vehicles. Nevertheless, many believe the union will eventually endorse Biden.

Senator Gary Peters, the leader of the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, expressed confidence in Biden’s strong pro-union stance, stating that he is likely the most pro-union president in American history.

Ongoing strikes have occasionally complicated the administration’s messaging. The White House has given conflicting comments on whether they weigh in on ongoing strikes, leading to some confusion. However, Biden continues to address union gatherings and relishes the opportunity to connect with union members. He proudly declares his pro-union stance and economic message, which also resonates with non-union members.

Biden’s early endorsements from union leadership in 2020 did not guarantee unanimous support from rank-and-file members, as a significant number still supported Trump. According to the AP VoteCast survey, Biden received about six out of ten union member votes, a healthy but not overwhelming majority.

Union leaders, such as Brent Booker, the general president of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, endorsed Biden early to ensure their members understand the administration’s accomplishments, particularly in relation to infrastructure. They seek to highlight the disparities between the Trump administration’s record and Biden’s dedication to improving infrastructure and creating jobs.

Despite some challenges and differences of opinion, Biden’s pro-labor message resonates strongly. The President’s campaign must emphasize how his accomplishments will positively impact people’s everyday lives and address the ongoing struggles faced by the majority of Americans.

Joe Biden’s embrace of his union roots and his dedication to labor support are integral to his 2024 campaign, as he seeks to secure a second term and continue championing the interests of working people.

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More about union support

• Biden’s 2020 presidential run announcement
• Labor unions endorse Biden’s 2024 campaign
• Biden’s pro-labor actions and support for worker organizing
• Challenges in the relationship between the White House and labor
• Importance of labor support in Biden’s campaign