Labor Unions to Take Center Stage on Opening Night of DNC

Leaders from some of the nation’s largest labor unions are set to address the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday night, reinforcing the party’s efforts to engage a vital voting demographic.

According to CBS News, at least seven labor representatives will take the stage during primetime. Among them are United Automobile Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President April Verrett, and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) President Lee Saunders.

Other notable speakers include Laborers’ International Union of North America President Brent Booker, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) President Kenneth W. Cooper, Communications Workers of America (CWA) President Claude Cummings, and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

However, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien will not be addressing the gathering. O’Brien had sought speaking opportunities at both the Republican and Democratic conventions. While he spoke at the Republican National Convention earlier this year, convention organizers have confirmed he will not address the audience in Chicago.

The Teamsters union, which endorsed President Biden in 2020, has adopted a neutral stance in the current election cycle. Despite O’Brien’s absence, the Teamsters are expected to have representation onstage during the DNC, although the specifics of that representation remain unclear.

On Saturday, the Teamsters and Vice President Kamala Harris agreed to a roundtable discussion, similar to what occurred between Donald Trump and Biden when they were candidates.

Monday’s agenda will also feature remarks from several Congressional allies of organized labor, including Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, and Senator Gary Peters from Michigan.

Polling data indicates that over 2.7 million union members live within swing states, where Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are reported to be nearly tied in voter support, according to a recent CBS News survey.

In the 2020 election, approximately 56% of labor union members opted for Biden. Nevertheless, current rank-and-file sentiments show growing concern over Trump’s ability to attract some Democratic voters in union spaces.

The Harris-Walz campaign aims to leverage endorsements from union leadership and an aggressive voter outreach strategy to connect with undecided union members. Julie Chavez Rodriguez, the campaign manager, remarked that the numerous endorsements from unions represent not just symbolic support but are a source of measurable organizing strength.

After announcing her candidacy, Harris swiftly garnered backing from most major labor unions. She, along with her running mate, Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota and a former teachers’ union member, participated in a UAW event in Michigan last week. Walz also addressed the AFSCME convention in Los Angeles.

Throughout her career, Harris has promoted a pro-labor agenda. As attorney general of California, she implemented measures to combat wage theft. As vice president, she cast the crucial Senate vote that helped pass the American Rescue Plan, which included a key component aimed at providing emergency funding for certain pension plans.

Shuler commended Harris, stating, “Harris has had workers’ backs throughout her career: from the picket line to the Senate floor, protecting our pensions, fighting for home care workers’ rights, and standing against corporate greed.” She emphasized that the labor movement is mobilizing with unprecedented vigor behind the Harris-Walz platform, which prioritizes working people and contests the Trump Project 2025 agenda.

The convention’s Monday theme, “For The People,” specifically honors Biden, who will deliver the keynote address and has a long-standing commitment to union issues.

Several unions, including the SEIU and AFL-CIO, have poured substantial resources into organizing efforts, including door-to-door canvassing to bolster support for the Harris-Walz ticket.

The Culinary Union Local 226, a significant presence in Las Vegas, is set to launch canvassing operations to support Harris. This group has backed her initiative to eliminate taxes on tipped wages and increase the federal minimum wage, while criticizing Trump for what they view as misleading campaign promises.

Chicago’s historical significance in the labor movement played a major role in the decision to host the Democratic Party’s convention in the city. The convention’s venues are supported by members from a coalition of 30 different unions.

Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, stated, “Chicago is the hometown of the American Labor Movement, and this DNC is union strong. From the labor peace agreement negotiated with the DNC and the Host Committee to our incredible workforce that keeps Chicago moving every day, we are thrilled to welcome delegates from across the United States to the Windy City.”