In his Labor Day appearance in Philadelphia, President Joe Biden, who proudly proclaims himself as the most pro-union president in history, emphasized the crucial role of organized labor and expressed his appreciation for American workers’ contribution to the economy.
Addressing the recovery of the economy from the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts in funding infrastructure improvements and acknowledged the significance of unions in establishing a strong middle class.
As the Republican primary season intensifies, Biden aims to regain support from working-class voters who have shifted their allegiance to former President Donald Trump and other candidates over cultural issues. During his speech, Biden frequently referred to Trump as “the last guy” and made comparisons between Trump’s job creation record and that of President Herbert Hoover, known for presiding over the Great Depression and his subsequent defeat by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Biden stated, “He left office with fewer jobs in America than when he got elected into office.”
The president spoke to a diverse crowd of union members from various industries, ranging from steelworkers to stagehands, emphasizing the positive impact of his administration’s policies on the working people.
Biden said, “This Labor Day, we celebrate jobs—good-paying jobs that can support families—union jobs.” Throughout his speech, he walked around the stage while holding the microphone, standing behind signs that read “UNION STRONG.”
Labor Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring workers, coincides with a time when U.S. unions of all types are growing more assertive, with a potential strike looming from 146,000 United Auto Workers union members.
When asked about the possibility of a strike, Biden expressed his belief that it would not occur. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain reacted swiftly, expressing shock at the president’s comments and suggesting that Biden may possess privileged information.
Fain stated, “I think we have a long way to go. All three parties must reach an agreement by September 14th, and if they don’t, there will be action.”
The union’s demands include salary increases, a shorter work week, and the restoration of traditional pensions. Fain disclosed that while General Motors and Stellantis have yet to respond to the union’s economic proposals, Ford’s offer fell significantly short of their expectations. The union has also filed charges of unfair labor practices against GM and Stellantis for their delay in negotiations, although these charges have been denied by the companies. Fain clarified that the union’s goal is to secure a fair agreement, rather than resorting to a strike.
With the addition of jobs and more people actively seeking employment, Labor Day coincides with positive economic news. This development is one that Biden eagerly highlights as he campaigns for re-election in 2024.
Biden still faces the task of convincing voters that his policies are positively impacting their lives. According to an August poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 36% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, slightly lower than the 42% who approve of his overall performance.
Biden delivered his Labor Day speech shortly after the news that American employers added 187,000 jobs in August, a testament to the resilience of the labor market despite the Federal Reserve’s imposition of high interest rates.
The Labor Department’s report revealed that the unemployment rate had risen from 3.5% to 3.8%, the highest it has been since February 2022. However, this increase is viewed positively since it signifies that 736,000 people actively sought employment last month, marking the highest number since January. It is essential to note that only individuals actively seeking a job are classified as unemployed.
The president consistently emphasized the importance of middle-class workers, stating that when the middle class thrives, “everyone does well.”
Hundreds of union workers, proudly wearing their local T-shirts, gathered at the Tri-State Labor Day event in Philadelphia to witness Biden’s speech on a warm and humid morning.
One attendee, Lenny Nutter, a Philadelphia resident adorned in a yellow Laborers International Union shirt, expressed his support for Biden, noting that unions have become more active, partly due to the president’s policies. Nutter remarked, “Unions are growing, and more work is being allocated to union workers.”
Biden has actively utilized executive actions to promote worker organizing, publicly endorsing unionization efforts at major corporations like Amazon, and authorizing federal funding to assist union members’ pensions. Recently, the Biden administration proposed new overtime pay regulations that would make an additional 3.6 million U.S. workers eligible, representing the most significant increase in decades.
The president announced to the crowd, “Now you’re going to get paid overtime.”
Biden has also embarked on nationwide trips, highlighting how union labor contributes to bridge construction and improvements in train tunnels as part of the bipartisan $1.1 trillion public works package approved by Congress in 2021.
The Tri-State Labor Day Parade and Family Celebration, which is hosted by the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, is in its 36th year. The AFL-CIO comprises over 100 local labor unions representing more than 150,000 workers, according to their website.
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