Harris and Walz Rally Union Voters in Midwest

Vice President Kamala Harris is actively reinforcing her alignment with President Biden's agenda as she campaigns alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Engaging with union leaders and participating in events with organizations like the American Federation of Teachers and the United Auto Workers (UAW), Harris has secured endorsements from key unions despite competing proposals from former President Donald Trump aimed at increasing service workers' wages. Seth Harris, a former labor policy adviser, emphasized that Walz's record mirrors federal initiatives, indicating a strong commitment to the Biden agenda in Minnesota. The Harris-Walz campaign has announced plans to invest "hundreds of millions of dollars" in outreach efforts targeting approximately 2.7 million union members in critical battleground states this fall. However, the reception among rank-and-file workers appears mixed. A recent video featuring UAW President Shawn Fain praising Walz sparked significant backlash on social media, with many factory workers expressing support for the Republican ticket instead. In the wake of a recent strike resolution, Fain endorsed Biden, who hailed the agreement as a compromise. Yet, dissatisfaction among workers regarding the deal's terms lingers. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing 1.3 million members, is currently surveying its members to gauge support for presidential candidates, with a decision expected post-convention. A Teamsters spokesperson noted that Harris has yet to respond to an invitation to engage with their members, highlighting the divided sentiments within the union ranks.