In a rare early endorsement, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) announced their support for President Joe Biden, citing his infrastructure bill as a major factor in their decision. The union plans to launch an organizing program to mobilize their 250,000 members in key battleground states for Biden’s reelection campaign. The Teamsters, also members of NABTU, are expected to endorse Biden after their upcoming convention.
NABTU’s enthusiastic endorsement of Biden is in stark contrast to their more reserved support in 2020. The union leadership’s backing of Biden reflects a split within union rank-and-file members, raising questions about the political future of the next generation of union members. NABTU President Sean McGarvey praised Biden for his efforts on behalf of working people, highlighting the infrastructure bill, American Rescue Plan, CHIPs Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.
The building trades union’s history with former President Donald Trump was fraught, with McGarvey describing him as one of their worst clients due to his failure to keep promises and his reluctance to pay bills. While the union supported Trump’s promises of an infrastructure bill, they ultimately found his actions lacking, particularly in comparison to Biden’s initiatives that have created union jobs and implemented worker protections and apprenticeship programs.
Trump’s failure to deliver on his infrastructure promises and his inconsistent track record with unions has made the contrast with Biden even clearer. McGarvey and other union leaders highlighted Biden’s hands-on approach and commitment to spreading the benefits of his administration’s bills to all communities, including rural areas and inner cities. Union members who were not previously drawn to Trump may be swayed by Biden’s track record of supporting working-class Americans.
NABTU’s outreach program aims to educate members on the benefits of Biden’s policies in states critical to the 2024 election. The union plans to leverage local union halls, social circles, and family connections to communicate the positive impact of Biden’s initiatives. Union leaders hope that their endorsement will send a strong message to Trump and his supporters, emphasizing their commitment to supporting a candidate who prioritizes union workers and economic interests.
In response to the endorsement, Biden’s campaign manager and former infrastructure coordinator highlighted the president’s commitment to rebuilding the country and creating high-paying union jobs. They contrasted Biden’s dedication to infrastructure with Trump’s lack of follow-through on his promises. As Biden’s campaign gears up for the 2024 election, the endorsement from NABTU is seen as a significant victory and a testament to the president’s efforts to support working-class Americans.
