In Charlotte, N.C., hundreds of union members from various unions gathered at the American Postal Workers 375 Union Hall for a labor-focused get-out-the-vote effort, coordinated by the North Carolina AFL-CIO. This Saturday event organized volunteers to canvas the city, distributing materials to union members’ homes to help them make informed choices in this year’s presidential election.
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond kicked off the event, expressing gratitude to the volunteers for their dedication in educating fellow union members. He emphasized the importance of knocking on union households’ doors and engaging in meaningful conversations to empower communities and amplify workers’ voices.
“This gathering is a testament to your commitment to labor values and dedication to the movement. You could be home today, but you know this election is too important,” said Redmond. “You understand what’s at stake, and that the work we do leading up to election day will shape the future of the United States for generations.”
The two presidential tickets stand in stark contrast on labor and workers’ rights. Trump and Vance oppose key labor rights by supporting practices like firing striking workers and withholding overtime pay, even crossing picket lines themselves. In contrast, IAM-endorsed candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have shown their solidarity by joining picket lines and supporting the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
This election is pivotal, giving us a chance to elect leaders who respect workers’ rights and the freedom to unionize, like Braxton Winston (IATSE), who is running to become the first hourly worker and union member elected as North Carolina’s Labor Commissioner.