Major Unions Launch Joint Canvassing Effort for Harris-Walz Campaign

Union Leaders Launch Voter Outreach Campaign Ahead of Election

WASHINGTON, DC— Four major public service labor unions have unveiled a collaborative voter mobilization effort aimed at influencing the upcoming 2024 Presidential election. Leaders from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have announced plans to rally support for the Harris-Walz ticket in crucial battleground states.

The initiative kicks off on October 19 in Detroit, with a series of rallies and statewide canvassing events planned. Notable gatherings include events in Atlanta on October 27 and Philadelphia on November 2, where all four union presidents will participate. Thousands of union volunteers are expected to engage in door-to-door canvassing to discuss vital issues affecting working families.

This joint action marks a significant increase in labor's political engagement, as the unions aim to leverage their collective membership, which includes diverse public service workers such as nurses, educators, and first responders, to influence the election outcome.

"In an election this close, it's all going to come down to turnout," said April Verrett, President of SEIU. "That's why our get-out-the-vote efforts are going to make the difference. We're going to have our members and leaders on the ground in every battleground state from now until Election Day, ensuring every voice is heard and every vote is counted."

According to AFSCME President Lee Saunders, “Union members are mobilizing with a new level of energy, because we know what’s at stake. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have a vision for working people that will move us forward, lower rising costs and protect our freedoms. Meanwhile, the other side wants to take away our voice on the job. That’s the choice before working people, and that’s why we’re going to make sure that we mobilize our communities to get out the vote.”

NEA President Becky Pringle added, “The 3-million strong National Education Association is proud to partner with our union siblings to ensure working families know there is only one pro-union, pro-public education ticket: the Harris-Walz ticket. Educators and union members across the country are fired up to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the leaders we need to deliver a new way forward for America." Pringle emphasized their commitment to supporting strong public schools and creating good union jobs.

AFT President Randi Weingarten remarked, “Kamala Harris and Tim Walz believe in the promise of America and will spend their time solving problems, not sowing fear, so every American can partake in that promise." Weingarten criticized opponents for policies that threaten public welfare and reiterated the unions' dedication to safeguarding democracy and freedom.

Each union has dedicated resources to extensive get-out-the-vote (GOTV) programs and media outreach to bolster the Harris-Walz ticket and other worker-friendly candidates in key races. Union households have historically played a pivotal role in elections in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where they represented significant portions of the electorate in 2020.

As labor unions experience a resurgence in popularity reminiscent of the 1960s, they are harnessing the power of collective action to advocate for a more equitable economy. By combining efforts, these unions aim to form a powerful advocacy front for millions of workers nationwide.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state, and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

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