The role of labor unions in the US presidential election

2024-10-24 19:13:05, Kosova & Bota CNA

Across the country, about 14 million voters are members of labor unions, which protect workers' rights. Although members of these unions make up a small portion of the American electorate, presidential candidates go to great lengths to secure their support. As VOA correspondent Katherine Gypson from Nevada reports, unions have a strong voice in this year's presidential election in this state.

At a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris, there was great enthusiasm among union members for her plan to detax the tip income of service sector workers.

“Vice President Kamala Harris has a clear plan to end federal tip taxes for us service workers here in Nevada. "Donald Trump's claim that he is the savior of workers, for whom tips are an important part of their income, is a dangerous lie," said Kanie Kastroll, a representative of the Nevada casino workers' union.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has also visited the state, which relies on the service industry to tout his plan not to tax tips for casino workers, waiters and cleaners.

"This will be liked by all employees, especially those who do not receive a salary, but have tips as income," said Didi Lima, a supporter of Mr. Trump in Nevada.

Former President Trump has received the support of the Las Vegas Police Department.

"Most of our citizens trust law enforcement. So if we say 'we believe this person supports us, it will increase our safety and our economy,' people will believe these things that we tell them," said Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association.

Mr. Grammas has spoken about former President Trump's support for law enforcement at many campaign rallies.

"Donald Trump and his campaign have supported us, saying, 'No, they're not going to bend to the changes of the political pressure of the moment,'" he says.

The support of tens of thousands of union members in Nevada is eagerly sought by presidential candidates.

Vice President Harris also received the support of the local Teamsters union, but the national union of truck drivers and warehouse workers refused to endorse either presidential candidate.

Some voters here in Nevada see that as an important sign.

"The Teamster union has always supported the Democrats. If they're not doing that now, that means they might be inclined to support Mr. Trump," said Edward Kammer, a supporter of Mr. Trump in Nevada.

But the Las Vegas Kitchen Workers Union endorsed Harris, a Democrat.

"Working class voters are smart, they're not dumb and they're a little skeptical. The problem with former President Trump is that he lies a lot. For Vice President Harris, this is part of an overall program to solve the high cost of living problem," says Ted Pappageorge of the Las Vegas Kitchen Workers Union.

They are now notifying voters of their decision.

"Big corporations are raising prices for food, fuel and rent. So we talk to voters about the right candidate, giving them the right information. We provide the facts, including that Kamala will support the middle class and union members," says Claudia Monreal of the Kitchen Workers Union.

The vote of union members in Nevada, one of the seven undecided states, could be decisive in the November 5 presidential election./ VOA