President Joe Biden is set to receive a significant union endorsement from North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) on Wednesday. The endorsement comes as a result of Biden's infrastructure bill, which has garnered praise from union leaders.
NABTU, with 3 million members nationwide, is launching an eight-figure organizing program to mobilize its 250,000 members in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin in support of Biden.
While the Teamsters, also members of NABTU, abstained from the recent board vote, they are expected to endorse a candidate after the Republican and Democratic conventions.
The enthusiastic backing from NABTU marks a departure from its 2020 support for Biden and highlights the union's belief that Biden is the right leader for working people at this time.
NABTU President Sean McGarvey praised Biden's efforts for working people, citing various legislative initiatives such as the infrastructure act, the American Rescue Plan, the CHIPs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
McGarvey emphasized the contrast between Biden and former President Donald Trump, noting that Trump's promises of an infrastructure bill during his tenure did not materialize, while Biden has delivered on creating union jobs and implementing worker protections.
The union's endorsement is seen as a rebuff of Trump, with union leaders expressing their dissatisfaction with Trump's failure to deliver on his commitments to the union.
Looking ahead to the 2024 election, NABTU plans to engage in outreach programs to educate members on Biden's achievements and the importance of voting in their economic interests.
Union leaders hope that Biden's track record will resonate with members who may have been skeptical in the past, leading to increased support for the president.
In response to the endorsement, Biden's campaign manager highlighted the president's commitment to union workers and rebuilding the country's infrastructure to create high-paying union jobs.
The endorsement from NABTU underscores the union's belief in Biden's vision for the country and his dedication to supporting working families.
