The International Union Executive Board Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States
On July 24, the Executive Board of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers voted unanimously to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign for the presidency of the United States.
BAC endorsed President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris for re-election last summer because their administration accomplished more for working people and their unions than any administration in living memory. After years of failed attempts to fix our nation’s infrastructure, the Biden-Harris Administration was able to:
+ Skillfully negotiate the passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act’s $270 billion investment in construction.
+ Expand the reach of prevailing wage to ensure that union craftworkers and contractors can compete for federal construction projects on a level playing field.
+ Save workers’ pensions, ensuring that workers who build America can retire with dignity.
“At every step, the Biden-Harris Administration has made an unprecedented commitment to build a stronger America for today’s workers and our children. That’s why BAC endorsed Joe Biden for re-election,” BAC President Tim Driscoll explained. “Now that President Biden has chosen to focus on leading the nation through the remainder of his term, we’re endorsing Kamala Harris to succeed him — because Vice President Harris has been integral to the pro-worker accomplishments of the past three and a half years.”
As the Chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, Vice President Harris played a critical role in ensuring that American workers and their unions have real influence on the direction of our government. It was her tie-breaking vote that ensured the passage of pension relief (American Rescue Plan), adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act, and confirmation of Jennifer Abruzzo as the groundbreaking General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Vice President Harris has put workers first on her agenda every day since coming to the White House, and BAC knows that she will do the same as President.
The stakes of this election are massive, and the choice that American voters face is stark. Donald Trump and his billionaire supporters plan nothing less than the complete destruction of the labor movement. By contrast, Kamala Harris will continue to work with our unions to build and unite America. For that reason, BAC is committed to ensuring that her optimistic and pro-worker vision prevails in November, and we look forward to a future where we collaboratively build on the progress of the past three and a half years.
PRESIDENT BIDEN: LEGACY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR WORKERS
President Biden has exemplified what can be done for labor when a true friend sits in the Oval Office. The last three and a half years have seen unprecedented legislation, executive standards and rules, and appointments all favoring workers and their unions.
“Joe Biden is the finest president that working Americans, and their unions have ever known,” said BAC President Tim Driscoll when President Biden announced he would no longer be seeking reelection in 2024. “BAC members across our country have benefitted significantly from the programs and policies that President Biden has implemented during his presidency. Indeed, the actions of the Biden-Harris administration to support the rights of workers to form unions, bargain collectively, have a voice in the workplace, and retire with dignity have greatly benefitted the entire labor movement.”
“A lifetime of service has earned President Biden the right to choose not to seek a second term,” President Driscoll continued. “Selflessly, he has committed to continuing his steadfast leadership of our nation through his current term. We are indebted to him as a nation for his unwavering dedication to the democratic values and principles that define our country.”
WALZ SELECTED AS RUNNING MATE
In August, Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate. Her choice makes it abundantly clear that she will continue to put working families first as President of the United States. Walz has delivered for workers and their unions, passing some of the most pro-worker legislation of any state in the country.
“Governor Walz’s impressive track record on behalf of working families adds strength upon strength to a formidable ticket that will boldly advance the cause of workers and their unions,” said President Driscoll. “BAC is proud to support the Harris-Walz ticket."