Justice. Jobs. Dignity: 2020 Presidential Nominee Joe Biden Lays Out Plan for Today's Union Workers
"It is time to rise together; to get everyone you know involved and remember who we are as a nation, to build a better future. That is what America does." — Joe Biden
Joe Biden has seen enough. As he stands on the cusp of the November 3 Presidential Election, he looks out over a pandemic raging across the country, an impending recession, a national reckoning on race relations and a the declining faith in America's cultural standing.
And all of this is happening at once.
Addressing International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) members virtually during the BAC 2020 Convention, Biden not only lamented on the crisis state of our nation, but also commended the extraordinary efforts and sacrifice that today's craftworkers continue to make every day in the face of it.
In July, the Executive Board of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) endorsed Biden for President. BAC threw it support behind the former Vice President under Barrack Obama for his proven record of defending and expanding access to healthcare, and his fierce determination to protect the pensions and retirement security that BAC Members have spent decades deferring wages to create.
"This crisis has reminded the nation just what an essential work is—all of you are essential," Biden said. "You were raised to bust your neck, asking for nothing more than a fair shot. I want to build America back and build it back better. I want to give everyone a fair return on their work and equal chance to get ahead. Together, we will build a manufacturing economy where the future is Made in America."
Biden stressed that it is time for the government to work for you again. The Scranton, Pennsylvania native emphasized the importance of recognizing and electing people who can identify with your plight.
"It is time to move past seeing the world through Wall Street's eyes, and instead viewing it through those of you—America's hard-working men and women," Biden said.
Part of his plan is to invest in infrastructure and clean energy—promises and initiatives he says were not met or honored by the current administration. "We want to build an economy that provides good paying jobs and racial equality. We will not only protect, but encourage organization and collective bargaining. I will stand with you in the fight for workers' rights across the board. I will actually enforce workplace safety rules and preserving the pensions you worked so hard for and that you deserve."
Extolling the critical importance the middle class plays in the success and vitality of our America's heart and soul. Speaking from a platform defined by the commitment he has made in labor his whole career, Biden promised to continue to protect the working man and women.
"As President, there is no place that I will stand prouder than by your side. I promise you. It is time to rise together; to get everyone you know involved and remember who we are as a nation, to build a better future. That is what America does. So let's spread the faith and get to work through justice, jobs and dignity."