October Update from SOAR Director Julie Stein

Harris’s VP Selection Presents Clear Contrast on Union Rights in Presidential Campaign

Kamala Harris’s VP selection cements a staunchly pro-labor platform for our Union’s endorsed candidate for President, Joe Biden.

Together, Vice President Biden and Senator Kamala Harris have been unwavering in their support for our right to negotiate for better pay, safer working conditions and a secure retirement.  

In her time in the United States Senate, Harris:

• Fought for workers’ rights.  Harris co-sponsored the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, and voted against the biggest rollback of union rights in 70 years, a move that would have impacted more than 1 million workers.  (S. 140)
• Stood with us for safer worksites.  Harris voted to require employers report prior labor violations when competing for federal contracts.  (H.J. Res. 37)
• Championed our right to a secure retirement.  Harris earned a 100% pro-retiree record from the Alliance for Retired Americans for her unwavering commitment to protecting Social Security, and for her efforts to ensure more workers can retire with the promise of a secure pension.  (H.J. Res. 67, retiredamericans.org/voting-record)

Biden and Harris have spoken clearly about their belief that America deserves a President and Vice President with a firm commitment to defending the labor movement and retired Americans. 

In his response to our Union’s candidate questionnaire, Biden pledged his support for some of the USW’s top legislative goals, including the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO Act), the Butch Lewis Act which aims to secure the viability of multiemployer pensions, and a promise to ensure a strong future for vital programs, like Social Security and Medicare.