Several of America's largest labor unions have recently declared their endorsements for Vice President Kamala Harris as she intensifies her campaign for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. This growing support underscores a significant boost to her candidacy. Nonetheless, some prominent unions remain on the fence, indicating that Harris still faces substantial challenges in solidifying her appeal among working-class voters.

Union Endorsements and Support

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the largest and most influential federation of unions in the United States, has officially endorsed Kamala Harris. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler commended Harris for her dedication to labor issues, stating, “From day one, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a true partner in leading the most pro-labor administration in history.” Shuler lauded Harris’s track record as a “principled and tenacious fighter for working people,” noting her advocacy against Wall Street excesses, her efforts to expand affordable child care, and her support for vulnerable workers. Shuler emphasized that with Harris in the White House, the AFL-CIO envisions advancing the achievements of the Biden-Harris administration to create robust union jobs and strengthen the labor movement.

In addition to the AFL-CIO, several other major unions have also voiced their support for Harris:

- The Service Employees International Union (SEIU): Known for its substantial presence in the healthcare and public service sectors, the SEIU has been a key ally in advocating for worker rights and fair wages.

- The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW): Representing workers in the retail, meatpacking, and agriculture industries, the UFCW has expressed support for Harris’s labor-friendly policies.

- The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME): Advocating for public service employees across various sectors, AFSCME’s endorsement reflects Harris’s alignment with public sector interests.

- The American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Focused on advancing educational professionals and public education, the AFT’s support highlights Harris’s commitment to educational reform.

- The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW): Representing electrical workers and telecommunications professionals, the IBEW has joined the chorus of support for Harris.

- The United Steelworkers (USW): Engaged with workers in the steel industry and other manufacturing sectors, the USW’s endorsement further consolidates Harris’s labor backing.

Remaining Union Holdouts

Despite these endorsements, some significant labor organizations have yet to offer their formal support. The United Auto Workers (UAW), a major player in the automotive industry, remains a notable holdout. While the UAW has issued a statement praising President Biden’s leadership, it has not yet endorsed Harris. The UAW’s statement articulated a clear goal: “The path forward is clear: we will defeat Donald Trump and his billionaire agenda and elect a champion for the working class to the highest office in this country.” This cautious stance reflects ongoing concerns about the impact of the transition to electric vehicles on jobs, as articulated by UAW President Shawn Fain.

Trump's Influence and Union Dynamics

Republican nominee Donald Trump has actively sought to undermine UAW leadership, calling for the removal of Shawn Fain and criticizing the union’s stance on the electric vehicle transition. Trump’s rhetoric has included unsubstantiated claims about China establishing auto manufacturing plants in Mexico, which he alleged would jeopardize U.S. jobs. Despite these criticisms, the UAW’s reluctance underscores broader uncertainties about the future of auto manufacturing and worker protections amidst evolving industry dynamics.

Moreover, Trump’s campaign has leveraged concerns about the EV transition and other labor issues to appeal to working-class voters. Trump has criticized federal investments in electric vehicles, emphasizing a perceived lack of commitment to worker protections, as highlighted by Fain’s remarks last spring.

Teamsters Union's Position

The Teamsters Union, another major labor entity, has yet to make a formal endorsement. Sean O’Brien, the Teamsters’ president, recently made headlines with a speech at the Republican National Convention, addressing corporate interests and asserting the union’s independence from traditional partisan affiliations. O’Brien’s remarks and the subsequent controversy, including a critical social media post, signal internal divisions and indicate that the Teamsters are still deliberating their endorsement strategy.

The Teamsters have extended an invitation to Kamala Harris for a roundtable discussion, reflecting ongoing engagement with her campaign. The union’s endorsement is traditionally announced after the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place next month in Chicago.

Broader Labor Context

While the Biden administration has actively supported labor initiatives, including efforts to enhance manufacturing jobs and improve worker bargaining power, union membership has continued its historical decline. This trend persists even as Republicans have increased their outreach to working-class and factory workers.

Simultaneously, some Republicans are pushing to dismantle the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency responsible for resolving labor disputes. A prominent supporter of this initiative is Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, who has been an outspoken advocate for Trump. Tesla has faced scrutiny from the NLRB, including a recent complaint alleging that the company discouraged unionization efforts among its employees.

Conclusion

The endorsement dynamics within the labor movement present a critical moment for Kamala Harris as she campaigns for the Democratic nomination. While she has secured significant support from major unions, she faces challenges in winning over undecided organizations and addressing their concerns about industry transitions and worker protections. The outcome of these efforts will be pivotal in shaping her campaign’s appeal to working-class voters and navigating the intricate landscape of labor relations in the upcoming election.