Biden Signs Order Prioritizing Federal Grants for Higher Worker Wages

President Joe Biden made headlines on Friday by signing an executive order focused on federal grants aimed at elevating job standards for workers. This new directive prioritizes projects that incorporate labor agreements, establish wage standards, and offer benefits such as access to child care and apprenticeship programs.

During the announcement at a union training center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Biden emphasized that the ideas put forth in his order are based on common sense. He stated, “Economists have long believed that these good job standards produce more opportunities, better outcomes for workers and more predictable outcomes for businesses as well.” He encouraged the notion that “a good union job is building a future worthy of your dreams.”

The Biden administration is advocating that the pathway to economic growth is through improving conditions for workers. With the elections approaching in November, the administration is keenly aware of the importance of organized labor to the Democratic party. In her anticipated matchup against Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to rely heavily on support from unions, including the AFL-CIO, to mobilize voters in critical states.

Biden’s commitment to labor unions was clear when he joined striking union workers in Michigan last year. At the event, he was welcomed with chants of “Thank you, Joe!” signifying the strong support he enjoys within the labor community.

On the other hand, Trump has also aimed to reach out to organized labor, having Teamsters President Sean O’Brien speak at the Republican National Convention. However, the Teamsters have not yet made an official endorsement, although Harris is expected to have discussions with them soon.

In his speech, Biden reiterated his administration’s commitment to American products, stating, “We buy American. And we’re making sure federal projects are made in America projects.”

The executive order will create a task force dedicated to streamlining policy development, ensuring that workers receive more benefits. With the ongoing administration’s focus on funding for infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, and renewable energy, a surge of new projects has been initiated.

According to the administration, these incentives have led to approximately $900 billion in private-sector investments in renewable energy and manufacturing. While these financial commitments are impressive, they may not yet resonate with voters, many of whom are still grappling with the ramifications of inflation that peaked in 2022. It is also worth noting that many of these projects are expected to take several years before they are fully realized.

Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su highlighted the essence of a good job, saying, “A good job is a job with security and benefits, where workers have the right to join a union, advocate for better working conditions, come home safe and healthy, and retire with dignity.” This reinforces the administration’s overarching message about the significance of supporting workers’ rights.

Although Biden’s visit to Michigan was not structured as a campaign event, he took the opportunity to contrast his views with those of Trump. He remarked, “My predecessor believed America is a failing nation,” referencing Trump’s alleged derogatory comments about American military heroes that reportedly caused public outrage.

Biden expressed regret for the loss of his late son, Beau, who died from cancer in 2015, which he attributes to exposure to burn pits used in military operations. He emotionally concluded, “I’m sorry to get emotional like that. But I miss him,” before pivoting back to his admiration for union workers, whom he called heroes.

Biden’s focus clearly remains on revitalizing labor interests and advancing the cause for worker rights as part of his administration’s broader economic agenda.

Source: Associated Press