Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss why they endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he’d be stepping down from his reelection campaign. Redmond also discussed the educational resources available to anyone seeking more information about the pro-labor stances of the candidates.
Redmond started the discussion by describing his first meeting with Harris. Their meeting was part of the early policy meetings around the framework of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. Redmond explained VP Harris's labor knowledge, including a deep understanding of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and Davis-Bacon regulations. He added that she was instrumental in implementing the pro-union portions of the bill.
After President Joe Biden, who the AFL-CIO endorsed for reelection, announced his decision to step down from the reelection campaign, Redmond explained the process to determine their endorsement of VP Harris. According to Redmond, this was the fastest the AFL-CIO had issued an election endorsement and credited AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and VP Harris with their communication. He explained the pro-union promises that Harris gave organized labor and her desire to follow in President Biden’s footsteps as the “most pro-union president in history.”
To further demonstrate the AFL-CIO’s decision to support VP Harris in the upcoming election. Redmond discussed the resources available on their website. The material explains the differences between the candidates on matters that impact working people and families. Redmond said the AFL-CIO plans to stick to the issues and encourage members to get to the polls in November.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Redmond.