Securing Support from US Construction Union with 3 Million Members
Electric, Auto, and Steel Unions Also Endorse Biden
Recent Polls Show Tight Race with Trump
President Joe Biden, who secured a rematch against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election this November, has scored an early advantage by gaining additional support from American labor unions.
The North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) held a legislative assembly on the 24th (local time) in Washington DC and expressed their support for President Biden. NABTU is one of the major labor unions in the United States with 3 million members nationwide and had also supported President Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
Sean McGarvey, president of NABTU, criticized, "Former President Trump is not a good person," adding, "His only purpose in trying to return is revenge." He continued, "I have known him for decades since he worked as a real estate businessman," emphasizing, "We must not allow the democracy we cherish to collapse under a leader with dangerous and dark traits."
At the event, President Biden responded, "Thanks to your support, I was able to win the 2020 election, and we will defeat Trump again this time," adding, "I am proud to be the most labor-friendly president in American history." Earlier, on the 19th, President Biden had also highlighted his pro-union image by attending an event of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which had declared its support for him early on.
President Biden also highlighted his upbringing in a middle-class family in Pennsylvania and did not forget to attack former President Trump's vested interests. He pointed out, "Trump looks down on workers from Mar-a-Lago (Trump’s resort) and only cares about billionaires."
With the U.S. presidential election just over six months away, major American labor unions have been consecutively expressing their support for President Biden. In January, the United Auto Workers (UAW) confirmed their support for Biden, followed last month by the United Steelworkers (USW) joining the support ranks. Among large unions, truck drivers and police unions have yet to declare their positions.
Backed by the support of labor unions, President Biden has also been shown to hold a slight lead over former President Trump in several recent polls. According to a poll conducted by PBS NewsHour and Marist between the 16th and 18th (local time) surveying 1,047 registered voters, President Biden recorded a 51% approval rating, leading former President Trump’s 48% by 3 percentage points.
However, an NBC poll showed former President Trump (46%) leading President Biden (44%), and several other polls have shown the candidates tied, indicating a fierce contest is expected.
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