\”Early voting is currently happening throughout the United States in anticipation of the upcoming presidential election on Tuesday. Both Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris are making efforts to appeal to union voters, a crucial voting bloc, particularly in swing states like Michigan where influential groups such as the United Auto Workers (UAW) hold significant sway. Vice President Harris has secured endorsements from key unions nationwide, including the UAW, AFL-CIO, and Service Employees International Union. Additionally, she has the support of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the union involved in the ongoing Boeing strike. Trump, on the other hand, has also managed to gain limited union support, with members of the Teamsters showing stronger backing for him. Even though the International Brotherhood of Teamsters chose not to endorse either candidate, their president, Sean O’Brien, has campaigned with Trump. Trump has also received an endorsement from the International Union of Police Associations, despite controversies surrounding his administration. While Harris holds a lead among union members, Trump has tapped into issues like immigration to garner support. However, experts suggest that union members supporting Trump are more concerned about issues like immigration and crime rather than collective bargaining or economic power. Despite Trump’s claims about crime rates, data shows a decline in violent crime during President Biden’s tenure. Analysis of the candidates’ stances on key issues like collective bargaining and wages reveals that Harris has consistently supported unions, co-sponsoring the PRO Act, which aims to protect workers’ rights. In contrast, Trump has been hostile towards organized labor, with his administration making it harder for workers to organize. On wages, Harris has pledged to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, while Trump has dodged questions on the matter. Both candidates have promised to end income taxes on tips if elected. Harris has a history of advocating for improved wages, while Trump has voiced opposition to wage increases. Despite their differing policies, Trump won Michigan in 2016, but Biden narrowly defeated him in 2020. Current polls in Michigan show a close race between Harris and Trump, with Harris holding a slight lead within the margin of error. The Biden administration has taken steps to improve wages for middle-class workers, including implementing prevailing wage clauses in job creation programs. Overall, the candidates’ positions on issues like collective bargaining and wages highlight their differing approaches to labor rights.\”
