Unions react to Biden re-election decision

Quickly shift support to VP Harris

Union leaders across the country responded to President Biden's July announcement he would not seek a second term with mixed feelings, but quickly pivoted to support his preferred replacement, Vice President Kamala Harris.

On July 21, in a letter to the nation, Biden called it the greatest honor of his life to serve as President and admitted that he had to do what was in the best interest of the country, which was not to seek re-election.

For members of organized labor, the decision was a major blow, as many viewed Biden as the most pro-union president of their lifetime, if not the most pro-union president in the nation’s history.

In a joint statement, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond called Biden the greatest champion in the White House for America’s workers.

“President Biden’s legacy as the most pro-labor president in history, and that of the Biden–Harris White House, is indisputable,” they said. “…He ensured a pro-labor National Labor Relations Board that has defended workers’ rights and held bad bosses accountable, including corporate CEOs. He has pressed for labor standards in every federal investment and raised the wages of hundreds of thousands of federal contractors, raising the tide for fair pay for working people across the country.”

In a post on X, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades General President Jimmy Williams Jr. wrote that his union expresses its deep gratitude to Biden, “for his extraordinary service to our nation and his unwavering support for working people during his career.”

Brent Booker, LIUNA General President, issued a prepared statement claiming Biden has accomplished more in his one term than any president in modern times.

“His unwavering support of working men and women and his respect for the value of hard work is not rhetoric for him; it is a reflection of who he is. He is our nation’s most pro-union president, ever,” said Booker.

He also noted the President’s key role in saving the hard-earned pensions of hundreds of thousands of retirees so they will have security and dignity after a life of hard work.

IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper also issued a statement praising Biden for keeping all his promises to working-class Americans.

“…I’ve seen presidents come and go in my time. But Joe Biden is the first president who made sure workers were included in any piece of legislation that affected their jobs,” Cooper said. “… As he departs the race, the 838,000 members of the IBEW thank him for his leadership and hard work on behalf of working people and union members in every corner of this country.”

Numerous other building trades unions released similar statements praising Biden for the accomplishments during his first term. State and regional building trades leaders also praised the President.

Mike Knisley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council, worked with the Biden administration and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) to get the CHIPS Act passed.

He said he never saw a president go to bat for the building trades the way Biden did.

“To get (all the pro-labor legislation and policies) done in his first three years is just amazing,” said Knisley. “President Biden is like a regular guy who you might see on a construction site. It’s bittersweet to see him not run.”

For Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary/Business Manager Dave Wondolowski, there is no doubt about Biden’s legacy.

“He was the most pro-union, pro-building trades president of my lifetime without question,” said Wondolowski. “From the CHIPS legislation and the Infrastructure Bill to mandating PLAs on federal jobs over $35 million, Joe Biden has delivered for the building trades. We will feel the impact of these laws and executive orders for years to come.”

Wondolowski added that he is sorry to see Biden not run for re-election, but agreed with many others that it was time for him to pass the torch.

“I wish Biden was 50 years old and could serve another term, but that’s not the case,” he added.

A quick transition

While union leaders heaped praise on Biden for his accomplishments, they also quickly moved to support Harris, citing her record as Vice President and how she supported the Biden agenda.

One day after Biden’s announcement, the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions announced their decisions to endorse the Vice President as the Democratic Party nominee to run for President.

“From day one, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a true partner in leading the most pro-labor administration in history,” said Shuler in a prepared statement. “At every step in her distinguished career in public office, she’s proven herself a principled and tenacious fighter for working people and a visionary leader we can count on.

The IBEW also responded quickly, confirming the union’s pivot to support Harris was unanimous and enthusiastic.

“IBEW members know Vice President Harris and have engaged with her over the last four years as she’s visited our job sites, union halls and training facilities,” said Cooper. “She has listened to us, and we stand confident that she will continue this administration’s extraordinary record on behalf of working people when she is sworn into office next January.”

In a YouTube video, IUPAT President Williams Jr. said Harris has proven herself a tireless advocate for economic justice, racial equality and building a 21st-century infrastructure that includes environmental sustainability.

“We believe that Kamala Harris’ leadership is essential to ensuring that the gains we have made are not only preserved but expanded upon,” he said. “The IUPAT proudly supports the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris for President of the United States.”