UAW President denounces Trump as 'scab'

The opening day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marked by a strong show of support for Vice President Kamala Harris from labor leaders and union members. Chants of “Trump’s a scab!” echoed through the venue as union representatives emphasized their commitment to Harris’s campaign, aiming to prevent former President Donald Trump from returning to the White House. The event highlighted the Democratic Party's longstanding ties to organized labor, with several union leaders addressing the crowd. Kenneth Cooper, president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, urged union members to rally behind Harris, citing her pivotal role in passing a significant pension rescue for union workers. He emphasized the importance of reciprocating support for Harris, framing it as a collective responsibility for union members. The enthusiasm from the crowd underscored the critical role that labor support could play in the upcoming election. However, the absence of Sean M. O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, was notable. O’Brien's recent acceptance of an invitation to speak at the Republican National Convention angered many Democrats and union activists, given Trump’s historically antagonistic stance toward unions. This omission highlighted the divisions within the labor movement regarding political affiliations. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain characterized Harris as a “fighter” for the working class, further fueling the crowd's chants against Trump. Fain’s remarks, coupled with his symbolic T-shirt, reinforced the urgency for Democrats to consolidate labor support as they seek to challenge Trump’s appeal among blue-collar voters in the upcoming election.