Aug. 6, 2024 — Brent Booker, General President of LIUNA — the Laborers’ International Union of North America — made the following statement today regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate:

The first crucial decision a presidential candidate must make is the selection of a running mate. By choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris shows she has the judgement and the values our nation wants from its leaders. LIUNA proudly and loudly applauds Vice President Harris’ choice.

 

Gov. Walz, a union member himself, is deeply committed to working men and women. He has passed paid leave and increased protections for all workers, including those in construction. He expanded family-supporting prevailing wages and battled wage theft. He pushed through historic investments, which created union jobs repairing roads, bridges, fire stations and water treatment plants, and upgrading housing for veterans. While supporting traditional energy jobs, he has also helped make sure that the transition to renewable energy jobs created good union jobs.

 

Tim Walz’ experience as a teacher and a coach informs his strong advocacy for children, including making sure no child in school goes hungry. He has implemented childcare and early learning programs and strengthened apprenticeship training.

 

The governor’s 24 years of military service and leadership as ranking member of the U.S. House Committee on Veteran Affairs speaks to his dedication to those who serve.

 

Gov. Walz’ commitment to fairness and equality is in marked contrast to the opposition, which seeks to inflame, insult, and divide. He tells it like it is, accurately describing the Trump-Vance campaign as “weird,” as well as dangerous.

 

With the selection of Gov. Walz, Kamala Harris is building a movement to nurture the best qualities of America. It is a movement built on the hopes and aspirations of the men and women who build our great nation, and the strong, proud, united members of LIUNA will be on the frontlines each and every day until we walk arm in arm across the finish line on Nov. 5.

 

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The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build the United States and Canada.