Kamala Harris Secures Unprecedented Support: 11 Million Union Members Stand Behind Her Presidential Bid

By CNN Newsource

Published September 9, 2024 6:01 PM

By Francis Page, Jr.

September 4, 2024 (Houston Style Magazine) — In the high-stakes 2024 Presidential election, there’s one name that resonates deeply across America’s working-class communities: Kamala Harris. The trailblazing Vice President is not just a symbol of resilience and leadership; she’s a steadfast advocate for workers’ rights, fair wages, and the future of our nation’s labor force. With an impressive list of endorsements from the nation’s most influential unions, Harris stands poised to carry the torch of progress, fighting for the everyday heroes who keep our country running.

In a resounding show of support, 18 major unions, collectively representing over 11 million members, have officially endorsed Kamala Harris for President. This wave of endorsements reflects her unwavering commitment to the working class—a cornerstone of her campaign and a clear testament to her proven leadership.

John Costa, the International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), which boasts a membership of 200,000, emphatically stated, “Vice President Harris is without question the best candidate to beat Donald Trump… We must protect our job security, healthcare, retirement, and our safety by electing Kamala Harris to keep our country on the right path.” The ATU’s endorsement highlights Harris’s dedication to ensuring that essential workers, like transit employees, are given the respect and security they deserve.

Another formidable ally in Harris’s corner is the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), representing 1.4 million members. Lee Saunders, the President of AFSCME, declared, “Kamala Harris understands the challenges faced by public service workers and has consistently fought for fair treatment and respect for those who keep our communities running. Her leadership is what we need in the White House.” This endorsement is particularly significant, showcasing Harris’s deep understanding of and commitment to the public sector—those who serve the very fabric of our society.

The education sector, too, stands firmly behind Harris, with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), 1.7 million members strong, lending their full support. Randi Weingarten, AFT President, praised Harris as “a champion for educators, students, and public schools. She understands the importance of investing in our future and is committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality education.” Harris’s advocacy for educational equity and her commitment to uplifting the next generation resonates powerfully with educators and parents alike.

But Harris’s support doesn’t stop there. From postal workers to steelworkers, farmworkers to first responders, unions across various industries have echoed a similar sentiment: Kamala Harris is the leader we need. Her platform, rooted in the values of fairness, opportunity, and respect for all workers, has garnered widespread support. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), with a membership of 775,000, confidently endorsed Harris, with President Kenneth W. Cooper asserting, “IBEW members know Vice President Harris and have engaged with her over the last four years… We stand confident that she will continue this administration’s extraordinary record on behalf of working people when she is sworn into office next January.”

The United Steelworkers (USW), representing 850,000 members, also threw their considerable weight behind Harris. USW President Tom Conway remarked, “Kamala Harris has always been a strong ally for steelworkers, standing up for our jobs and our rights. Her leadership is what we need in the White House.”

“With approximately 700,000 members, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) stand strong. ‘We are excited and fully committed to electing Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States,’ said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr.”

In total, these unions, representing a diverse cross-section of America’s workforce, have unified in their support of Harris, underscoring the broad appeal of her candidacy. The combined might of 11.17 million workers and their unwavering belief in her leadership is a formidable force—one that signals a clear path to victory.

Kamala Harris is not just a candidate; she is a movement. A movement that champions the rights of workers, fights for the dignity of all, and promises a future where every American can thrive. As we march toward November 2024, it is clear that Kamala Harris has the backing of the people who truly power our nation—the working families of America.

Houston Style Magazine readers, are you ready to join the movement? With Kamala Harris at the helm, the future looks brighter for every hardworking American. Let’s stand united and make history together.

Here are the re-listed unions that have publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for President in July and August 2024, along with their endorsement quotes, membership numbers, the person who made the quotes, their titles, and source links:

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Membership: Approximately 200,000 members Quote: “Vice President Harris is without question the best candidate to beat Donald Trump… We must protect our job security, healthcare, retirement, and our safety by electing Kamala Harris to keep our country on the right path.” Person: John Costa, International President of ATU Date: July 22, 2024 Source: ATU Endorsement

American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Membership: Approximately 1.4 million members Quote: “Kamala Harris understands the challenges faced by public service workers and has consistently fought for fair treatment and respect for those who keep our communities running. Her leadership is what we need in the White House.” Person: Lee Saunders, President of AFSCME Date: July 23, 2024 Source: APWU Endorsement

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Membership: Approximately 1.7 million members Quote: “Kamala Harris is a champion for educators, students, and public schools. She understands the importance of investing in our future and is committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality education.” Person: Randi Weingarten, President of AFT Date: July 22, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Membership: Approximately 200,000 members Quote: “Kamala Harris has always been a champion of working families, and her commitment to preserving and expanding the rights of postal workers makes her the leader we need in the White House.” Person: Mark Dimondstein, President of APWU Date: July 23, 2024 Source: APWU Endorsement

Communications Workers of America (CWA) Membership: Approximately 700,000 members Quote: “With Kamala Harris leading our country, we will continue to have a seat at the table to improve the lives of CWA members and retirees and strengthen our communities. We are enthusiastic and ready to elect Kamala Harris the next President of the United States.” Person: Claude Cummings, Jr., President of CWA Date: July 22, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Membership: Approximately 150,000 members Quote: “Vice President Harris has consistently shown her support for the entertainment industry, understanding the vital role that creative professionals play in our culture and economy. IATSE fully endorses her for President.” Person: Matthew D. Loeb, International President of IATSE Date: August 5, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Membership: Approximately 325,000 members Quote: “Kamala Harris has consistently stood up for the safety and well-being of first responders. Her leadership is what we need to ensure that those who risk their lives for others have the support they deserve.” Person: Edward Kelly, President of IAFF Date: July 25, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Membership: Approximately 775,000 members Quote: “IBEW members know Vice President Harris and have engaged with her over the last four years… We stand confident that she will continue this administration’s extraordinary record on behalf of working people when she is sworn into office next January.” Person: Kenneth W. Cooper, President of IBEW Date: July 26, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Membership: Approximately 1.4 million members Quote: “Kamala Harris has a proven track record of standing up for workers’ rights and ensuring that they have the protections they need. The Teamsters are proud to support her candidacy for President.” Person: Sean O’Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Date: July 28, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Membership: Approximately 160,000 members Quote: “Kamala Harris stands with the working class, and her commitment to creating and protecting jobs in the construction and trade industries is unmatched. The IUPAT proudly supports her bid for the presidency.” Person: Ken Rigmaiden, General President of IUPAT Date: July 26, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Membership: Approximately 500,000 members Quote: “Vice President Harris has been a key partner in leading the most pro-union White House ever… She has been a trusted partner in bringing jobs back to the U.S. by reviving our manufacturing base.” Person: Brent Booker, General President of LiUNA Date: July 29, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

National Nurses United (NNU) Membership: Approximately 170,000 members Quote: “Kamala Harris has always been a fierce advocate for healthcare and the rights of nurses. Her vision for a healthcare system that works for everyone is exactly what this country needs.” Person: Jean Ross, President of NNU Date: July 24, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Membership: Approximately 2 million members Quote: “Vice President Harris is the best prepared candidate for president, bringing decades of public service fighting for working families. SEIU is ALL IN for Kamala Harris.” Person: April Verrett, President of SEIU Date: July 21, 2024 Source: SEIU Endorsement

United Auto Workers (UAW) Membership: Approximately 400,000 active members Quote: “Kamala Harris understands the importance of manufacturing jobs to the American economy and has consistently supported policies that protect and grow these jobs. We are proud to endorse her for President.” Person: Shawn Fain, President of UAW Date: August 1, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

United Farm Workers (UFW) Membership: Approximately 10,000 members Quote: “Kamala Harris has always been a champion for farm workers, advocating for fair wages, humane working conditions, and immigration reform. We are proud to endorse her as she continues to fight for the rights of those who feed America.” Person: Teresa Romero, President of UFW Date: July 24, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Membership: Approximately 1.2 million members Quote: “Vice President Harris has shown a real willingness to listen to our members and working people everywhere about the issues that matter most to them. We look forward to working with our members across the country to elect her as our next president.” Person: Marc Perrone, President of UFCW Date: July 27, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

United Steelworkers (USW) Membership: Approximately 850,000 members Quote: “Kamala Harris has always been a strong ally for steelworkers, standing up for our jobs and our rights. Her leadership is what we need in the White House.” Person: Tom Conway, President of USW Date: July 31, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) Membership: Approximately 10,000 members Quote: “Kamala Harris understands the importance of protecting creative professionals and their rights. Her administration will ensure that the voices of writers and artists are heard and protected.” Person: Meredith Stiehm, President of WGAW Date: August 2, 2024 Source: Labor Tribune

Combined Total Membership: 11,170,000 members

Houston Style Magazine readers, this combined list provides a comprehensive overview of the unions that have publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for President in the specified timeframe, along with the relevant details and sources.

For more info, visit KamalaHarris.com and StyleMagazine.com

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Jo-Carolyn Goode
editorial@stylemagazine.com
7133205611

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Regional

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