Kamala Harris: A Bold Labor Day Pledge for Workers in Detroit
On Labor Day, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a crowd of union members and leaders in Detroit, emphasizing the “dignity of work” and reaffirming her commitment to strengthening protections for collective bargaining. She praised unions for their role in building America’s middle class and securing worker rights such as the five-day workweek, sick leave, and vacation time.
“Unions helped build America, and unions helped build America’s middle class,” Harris said, underscoring the positive impact of unions on wage growth and workplace safety. She drew from her personal experiences, recalling her upbringing attending marches with her progressive parents and learning the power of collective action.
Harris also criticized former President Donald Trump for his actions against workers’ rights, prompting chants of “Trump’s a scab” from the crowd. She was joined by prominent union leaders, including United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, and vowed to support the “PRO Act,” which aims to protect the right to unionize and combat union-busting.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, speaking alongside Harris, praised her commitment to labor while contrasting it with the Republican stance, particularly targeting Trump for his perceived disconnect from everyday workers.
Later, in Pittsburgh, Harris planned to address the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, aligning with the White House’s opposition to foreign ownership of the American steel industry. She emphasized her support for keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned to protect American jobs.
Harris’s Labor Day speeches in Detroit and Pittsburgh highlighted her dedication to labor rights and her administration’s focus on strengthening the American workforce.
Subha KS- Staff Reporter
