ICYMI – Governor Tim Walz rallies thousands of union workers at Laborfest in Milwaukee – WisPolitics
Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz spoke to more than 4,000 union workers and families at Milwaukee’s Laborfest, drawing a stark contrast between the Harris-Walz record of protecting workers’ rights and Donald Trump’s record as one of the most anti-worker, anti-union presidents in history.
Governor Walz, a former union member himself, passed the most pro-worker package of laws in Minnesota’s history — making it easier to form unions, strengthening worker protections, cracking down on union-busting, and giving workers paid leave. Vice President Harris, as part of the most pro-union administration in history, has created millions of good-paying jobs, promises to pass the PRO Act, and cast the deciding vote on legislation that is saving 1 million union workers’ pensions, and previously has joined union members on the picket line.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has raised costs for workers, shipped jobs overseas, and lined the pockets of the super wealthy and big corporations at the expense of the middle class. A second Trump presidency would be even worse – his Project 2025 agenda will raise taxes on typical working families by nearly $4,000 a year, allow employers to stop paying many workers overtime, and roll back labor and workplace protections.
See coverage below:
On the airwaves:
Reporter: “Walz vowed that a Harris administration, if there’s also a Democratic majority in Congress, would enact federal laws that make it easier to form unions. He focused much of his remarks on what he’s done in that regard as the governor of Minnesota.”
Governor Tim Walz: “We made it easier to form a union, not harder. We strengthened worker protections. You should be able to go home at the end of the day without getting killed on the job. That’s a basic line. And in Minnesota, it’s against the law to put your workers in a room and hold an anti-union meeting — you can’t do that.”
Governor Tim Walz: “When we come together, we can do amazing things. So here’s the deal. Sisters and brothers in labor, it’s time to get off the sidelines and get on the field.” […]
“Vice President Harris will sign the PRO Act, making it easier to form unions, period. And you know what comes out of that? You can collectively bargain. You can go do the work to get fair wages, safer working conditions, good health care.”
Reporter: “The VP nominee says a Harris-Walz administration will be pro-union by supporting the PRO Act — a law to make it easier to form unions. He says his record as Governor of Minnesota shows it’s possible to be pro-union and pro-business.”
Governor Tim Walz: “[Minnesota is] a top-5 best state for business too. You don’t have to choose between workers and business. You can do both.”
Governor Tim Walz: “On things like health care, on what books I read, and democracy, we all live by that very simple golden rule: mind your own damn business!”
Governor Tim Walz: “If you want to attack me for standing up for collective bargaining, for fair wages, for safe working conditions, for health care and retirement, you roll the damn dice. I’ll take my chances on that.”
Reporter: “Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz was also in Milwaukee on a campaign stop at Laborfest. Governor Walz talked about helping workers while giving them more benefits, and how current Vice President Harris is currently showing that.”
Governor Tim Walz: “[Vice President Kamala Harris] was part of the most pro-union administration in American history. From sticking up for workers, to voting for fair legislation, to walking picket lines, she was there with workers every step of the way.”
Reporter: “[Minnesota Governor Tim Walz] took the opportunity to speak to unions about [his] and Vice President Kamala Harris’ dedication to protecting and strengthening workers’ rights. They’re values he said are in stark contrast to the other side of the ticket; right-to-work laws backed by Republicans.”
Governor Tim Walz: “ Everybody here today knows what ‘Right-to-Work’ really means. It means a right to work for less money. It means a right to work in dangerous situations. It means a right to work with no pensions… You tell me who in Wisconsin is sitting around saying ‘Damn I wish they’d give billionaires tax cuts and screw me over.’ No one’s saying that.”
Governor Tim Walz: “Unions and organized labor are more popular today than at any time in our lifetimes. Any time. And you know why? Because it’s union halls where the purest form of democracy is practiced.”
Governor Tim Walz: “Trump and Vance when they talk about freedom, means the government should have the freedom to invade every corner of our life. They talk about small government… small enough to be in your bedroom, small enough to be in your exam room, small enough to be in your library, telling you the things you should make decisions about.”
Governor Tim Walz: “I can remember when Republicans came up to me in one of my campaigns and they said, ‘Tim is in the pocket of organized labor.’ I said, ‘That’s a damn lie… I am the pocket.’”
“[Donald Trump] does know something about working people — Donald Trump does. He knows how to take advantage of them. That’s what he knows how to do. Every single chance these guys have gotten, they’ve waged war on workers and the middle class.”
Reporter: “Vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is making a campaign stop in Milwaukee today. He took the stage at Laborfest– where he addressed union members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council. Walz took the opportunity to praise the Biden-Harris administration, saying they are the most pro-union administration in American history. During his speech, he also emphasized how Project 2025 poses a threat to labor protections.”
Governor Tim Walz: “They have told us exactly what they’re going to do. The goals in Project 2025 are clear. It should be subtitled, ‘How to screw the working people.’ That’s how it should be listed.”
Reporter: “Governor Tim Walz — he’s here in Wisconsin. Walz and his wife are at Laborfest in Milwaukee. He touted a Minnesota law he signed as governor, which strengthened workers’ rights. He also slammed former President Donald Trump and JD Vance saying they want to control people’s personal lives.”
Online:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz rallies union vote at Milwaukee Laborfest
[Hope Karnopp & Jessie Opoien, 9/2/24]Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz returned to Milwaukee on Labor Day to speak to union members at Laborfest, addressing a key Democratic constituency in his first visit to the battleground state of Wisconsin since receiving Democrats’ formal nomination for vice president.
Walz, who Vice President Kamala Harris selected as her running mate last month, praised the Biden-Harris administration as “the most pro-union administration in American history” while addressing the festival in the sunny mid-afternoon.
“We know exactly who built this country. It was labor that built this country,” Walz told the crowd. “When unions are strong, America is strong.”
WISN: Two months before the election, Gov. Tim Walz makes his case to Wisconsin voters
[Kendall Keys, 9/2/24]Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz took the Laborfest stage Monday afternoon. […]
“It’s our time. So let me say: when we fight, we win,” Walz said.
Walz made his case to his Wisconsin neighbors.
“Look, we’re sitting here together, Brewers and Twins fans, Vikings and Packers,” Walz said.
He focused on making his case to union workers, trying to energize them to vote blue in November.
“When we come together, we can do amazing things. So here’s the deal, sisters and brothers in labor, it’s time to get off the sidelines and get on the field,” Walz said.
TMJ4: Wisconsin unions rally at Laborfest with VP nominee Tim Walz
[Charles Benson, 9/2/24] […] “Happy Labor Day,” was the shout-out from Tim Walz to the crowd of union supporters enjoying a sun-soaked afternoon on the Summerfest grounds.The vice presidential nominee says a Harris-Walz administration will be pro-union by supporting the PRO (Protecting the Right to Organize) Act, a law to make it easier to form unions.
Walz says his record as governor of Minnesota shows it’s possible to be pro-union and pro-business.
“We are a top-five best state for business,” said Walz. “You don’t have to choose between workers and business; you can do both—you can do.” […]
SEIU member Blanca Jimenez says the union provides her with better pay and benefits but says higher costs have hurt her bottom line.
“I’m a single mom so it’s hard for me,” said Jimenez. “I want to get better pay so I can afford to pay for what I need to buy.” […]
“I think Kamala Harris is going to be great for us – getting the country going, better pay better opportunities.”
WISN: Walz rallies for paid leave, worker protections in Milwaukee Labor Day speech
[Mariana La Roche, 9/2/24]Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz delivered a speech to labor union members on Labor Day in Milwaukee, emphasizing the importance of organized labor and urging support for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.
Walz, a former teacher and union member, highlighted the critical role unions play in building a strong America. He praised Harris’ record on workers’ rights, citing her efforts to protect pensions and support pro-union legislation.
“It was Vice President Harris and President (Joe) Biden that protected over 1 million workers pensions and retirees that we got back,” Walz said. “And it’s not bragging if it’s true. She was part of the most pro-union administration in American history. From sticking up for workers to voting for fair legislation to walking picket lines. She was there with workers every step of the way.”
Spectrum News 1: ‘The blue wall stands firm’: Gov. Tim Walz campaigns at Milwaukee’s Laborfest
[Anthony DaBruzzi, 9/2/24]Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took to the campaign trail on Labor Day, as he stumped in front of Milwaukee-area labor leaders and supporters.
Monday marked Walz’s third trip to Wisconsin since he became Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. His last visit was also to Milwaukee, but unlike the rally held at Fiserv Forum, the latest stop at Laborfest was about appealing to a specific type of voter.
Better wages, better benefits, better lives — that was the message the Harris-Walz campaign hoped union members took home from Monday’s remarks.
“I was a teacher and a coach for a lot of years, and what goes with making a career out of teaching and coaching is I was a dues-paying member of my union,” Walz told the crowd.
Urban Milwaukee: Tim Walz Champions Unions in Milwaukee Labor Day Appearance
[Sophie Bolich, 9/2/24] […] “Here’s the deal, sisters and brothers in labor, it’s time to get off the sidelines and get on the field,” said the former football coach. “Whether it’s labor rights, middle class rights, having corporations pay their fair share — all those things that impact our lives — we need you on the team, and we need you now.”Walz, governor of Minnesota and running mate to Kamala Harris, addressed more than 4,000 supporters at the event, including union members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO, who joined him on stage.
Wisconsin Public Radio: Walz makes pitch to union voters at Milwaukee Labor Day festival
[Sarah Lehr, 9/2/24]Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz made his pitch to union voters Monday during a Labor Day festival in Milwaukee.
Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, joked about “preaching to the choir” during the event which is sponsored each year by the Milwaukee-Area Labor Council and the AFL-CIO.
“We got about 64 days to sing, choir,” Walz told the crowd gathered at the Henry Maier Festival Grounds just over two months ahead of Election Day. “We got 64 days to get to our relatives, to talk to them, to tell them what’s out there.” […]
Walz highlighted his past as a public school teacher, who also helped coach high school football.
“And what goes with making a career out of teaching and coaching is I was a dues-paying member of my union,” Walz said. “I always feel like maybe we should elect a few more dues-paying members to elected positions. So start thinking about it, folks. Start thinking about running.”
If Republican Donald Trump wins another term, Walz warned the crowd that the former president would “screw working people” while giving tax cuts to people who are “rich as hell.”
Wisconsin Examiner: Walz rouses a Milwaukee union crowd with a Labor Day message to get out the vote for Harris
[Erik Gunn, 9/2/24]In a high-energy campaign speech at this city’s annual Labor Fest, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota vowed Monday that he and Vice President Kamala Harris would lead an administration that puts workers first, contrasting their policies with those of the Republican ticket led by former President Donald Trump.
“You know that unions and organized labor are more popular today than at any time in our lifetimes. Any time,” Walz said. “And you know why? Because it’s union halls where the purest form of democracy is practiced.”
Wisconsin Democrats and union members gave Walz a noisily enthusiastic greeting as he all but bounded on to the stage, and he responded with an equally exuberant address that ended with an admonition for union members and their allies to get out and work for the Democratic Harris-Walz ticket between now and Election Day Nov. 5.
The Daily Cardinal: Tim Walz rallies union vote with Milwaukee Laborfest speech
[Clara Strecker & Sreejita Patra, 9/2/24]Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz delivered remarks to union members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO, addressing the key Democratic voting bloc Monday at the city’s annual Laborfest celebration.
As a former union member, Walz spent two terms as Minnesota’s governor focusing on unions, strengthening protections and ensuring paid leave for workers while also limiting union-busting. During the event, he contrasted his platform with that of former President Donald Trump, whose administration blocked overtime pay for workers with 40-hour work weeks or under.
“If people put in an honest day’s work, they should receive an honest day’s income,” Walz said.
“[Trump] is a guy who supports so-called ‘right to work’ laws that deprive unions of the funds they need. ‘Right to work’ means less money, dangerous situations and no pension.”
WLUK: Walz calls for protection of organized labor and workers’ rights at Milwaukee union event
[Mallory Allen, 9/2/24] […] Walz’s speech centered around the importance of protecting organized labor and workers’ rights.“I was a teacher and a coach for a lot of years, and what goes with making a career out of teaching and coaching is, I was a dues-paying member of my union,” Walz said. “If you want to attack me for standing up for collective bargaining, for fair wages, for safe working conditions, for health care and retirement, you roll the damn dice. I’ll take my chances on that.”
Walz said as governor of Minnesota, he signed “one of the biggest and best pro-worker packages” in the state’s history.
“We made it easier to form a union, not harder. We strengthened worker protection… Minnesota is one of the best states in the country for workers, but guess what? We’re a top five best state for business, too. You don’t have to choose between workers and business — you can do both,” Walz said.
He added Harris was “part of the most pro-union administration” in U.S. history.
Racine County Eye: Gov. Tim Walz rallies labor support at Milwaukee’s Laborfest
[Heather Asiyanbi, 9/2/24]Hundreds gathered at Milwaukee’s Laborfest to listen to remarks from Minnesota Gov. and vice presidential hopeful Tim Walz where he emphasized the crucial role of unions in American democracy and urged Wisconsinites to continue supporting pro-labor candidates in the upcoming elections.
“We know exactly who built this country. It was labor that built this country,” Walz said during his time at the podium. “When unions are strong, America is strong.”
Walz has long been an advocate for labor rights, and he opened his speech by acknowledging the efforts of local leaders and unions in organizing the event. He expressed his gratitude to the Milwaukee Area Labor Council and praised the city’s commitment to the labor movement.
“There’s no better place to celebrate Labor Day than here at Laborfest, surrounded by those who continue to fight for Middle America,” he said.
WKOW: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz set to speak in Milwaukee on Labor Day
[Chad Thompson, 9/2/24]Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is in Milwaukee Monday with his wife, Gwen.
Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president, will deliver remarks at the Milwaukee Area Labor Council’s Laborfest 2024. He’s expected to speak in the early afternoon.
The visit is part of a Labor Day weekend campaign blitz from the Harris-Walz campaign that will send surrogates to other battleground states.
The governor was just in Milwaukee for a rally with Vice President Kamala Harris during the week of the Democratic National Convention.
The Washington Post: Harris makes pitch to union voters in ‘blue wall’ states
[Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Abbie Cheeseman & Dylan Wells, 9/2/24]Speaking to union members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO, at its annual “Laborfest” event, Walz continued to argue that he and Harris are the top allies of laborers while accusing Trump and Vance of being anti-union.
“It’s not bragging if it’s true: She was part of the most pro-union administration in American history,” Walz said of Harris, also touting his own work as a former union member and governor of Minnesota. “From sticking up for workers to voting for fair legislation to walking picket lines, she was there with workers every step of the way.”
He told attendees wearing shirts from the Wisconsin SEIU, Sheet Metal Workers International Association, AFSCME, NEA and the IBEW that Republicans had accused him of being in the pocket of organized labor, and he said he replied, “That’s a damn lie. I am the pocket.”
Walz drew applause for voicing support of the Pro Act, legislation to protect workers’ rights to organize, and argued that Trump and Vance have “waged wars on workers in the middle class.”
“I do say this: He does know something about working people, Donald Trump does. He knows how to take advantage of them,” Walz argued.
“When they wake up in the morning, they’re not thinking about you,” he said, adding: “If you think those guys were bad the last time he was in the White House, just wait if he gets another shot at it.”
The Hill: Walz boasts he’s not ‘in the pocket’ of organized labor: ‘I am the pocket!’
[Julia Mueller, 9/2/24]Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) boasted on Monday that he’s “the pocket” of unions, as he and Vice President Harris court support from the critical voting bloc in several “blue wall” states to mark Labor Day.
“Republicans came up to me in one of my campaigns and they said, ‘Tim is in the pocket of organized labor.’ I said, that’s a damn lie. I am the pocket,” Walz told the crowd at Laborfest in Milwaukee.
“And I told them, if you want to attack me for standing up for collective bargaining, for fair wages, for safe working conditions, for health care and retirement – you roll the damn dice. I’ll take my chances on that,” he said to cheers.
CBS News: Tim Walz focuses on union vote during Labor Day campaign visit to Milwaukee
[Esme Murphy, 9/2/24]Gov. Tim Walz spent Labor Day on the campaign trail talking to union workers.
Walz said at Laborfest in Milwaukee that the Harris-Walz ticket will best represent union workers’ interests, including their health care.
“Vice President Harris and myself believe, and everyone here believes, you should be here to make your own health care decisions — not politicians,” Walz said.
Axios: Harris, Walz make underdog pitch to unions on Labor Day
[Andrew Childers, 9/2/24]Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz described themselves as fighting uphill against former President Trump in Labor Day speeches to unions in critical swing states Michigan and Wisconsin […]
We’ll sleep when we’re dead. Now is not the time,” Walz told union members in Wisconsin.
Yes, but: Despite the Democrats’ insistence the race will be a nailbiter, Walz couldn’t help but needle Trump’s declining poll numbers, comparing Trump to the cafeteria bullies Walz supervised as an educator.
“The bullies who want to instill fear are the first ones to find out what happens when the tide turns. He’s running scared now,” Walz said.
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