Introduced by AFSCME President Lee Saunders, Walz was described as more than just an ally to the labor movement. “He understands us because he is one of us,” Saunders said. “He’s a stand-up guy, absolute salt of the earth.” The message was clear: Walz’s experience as a union member and his track record of protecting public service workers make him a natural choice to represent labor’s interests on a national level.
Walz’s Commitment to Public Service and Labor Rights
Throughout his career, Walz has been a staunch defender of workers’ rights and public service. As governor of Minnesota, he took significant steps to protect the jobs of AFSCME members and improve public services. Under his leadership, the state legislature passed a series of landmark measures, including banning private prisons and ensuring free meals for public school students, which directly benefited AFSCME members who work in schools and public institutions.
Walz also negotiated a historic contract for state workers that included across-the-board pay raises and expanded freedoms on the job. This contract, seen as a major victory for public service workers, was a direct reflection of Walz’s deep ties to the labor movement and his understanding of the importance of fair wages and job security.
In his speech, Walz reinforced the idea that unions are essential to the strength of the nation. “We know that when unions are strong, America is strong,” he declared, to loud applause. This statement captures the central theme of his campaign alongside Harris: building a stronger America by empowering workers and protecting their rights.
Building a Strong America Through Union Support
Walz’s vision for America is one where labor unions are a cornerstone of national policy. His speech at the AFSCME convention was not just a rallying cry for public service workers but a call to action for all working Americans. Walz emphasized the importance of collective action, noting that he and Harris have both stood with workers on the picket line, fighting for fair treatment and better working conditions.
Walz’s efforts in Minnesota serve as a model for what he and Harris aim to achieve across the country. “Today, Minnesota is one of the best states for workers in the nation,” Walz said, referencing his administration’s record on labor rights. He promised to bring this same pro-worker ethos to Washington, D.C., pledging to prioritize policies that benefit all workers, regardless of their occupation or industry.
AFSCME Mobilizes to Support Harris-Walz Ticket
AFSCME’s 1.4 million members are gearing up for a massive mobilization effort in support of the Harris-Walz campaign. The union plans to activate its extensive network of public service workers across the country, focusing on key battleground states such as Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin. With boots on the ground and a commitment to getting out the vote, AFSCME members are poised to play a crucial role in the 2024 election.
The union’s members, who work in essential roles ranging from healthcare to corrections to sanitation, are driven by a shared mission: to ensure that their work is valued and that their rights are protected. By endorsing the Harris-Walz ticket, AFSCME is sending a clear message that labor issues will be front and center in the upcoming election.
As Walz continues to campaign across the country, he can count on the full support of AFSCME’s vast membership, who are eager to see a pro-worker administration take office in January.
A Vision for a Stronger Future
Walz’s appearance at the AFSCME convention marked the beginning of what is sure to be an intense and passionate campaign season. His message resonated with public service workers across the nation, as he painted a picture of a future where unions are stronger, workers are empowered, and the American dream is within reach for all.
As AFSCME members begin their efforts to rally support for the Harris-Walz ticket, Walz’s vision of a fairer and stronger America is set to become a central narrative in the race for the White House. With the backing of one of the country’s most powerful unions, the Harris-Walz campaign is positioning itself as the champion of labor and public service workers.
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