Pro-worker momentum at the DNC spells trouble for Poilievre as well as Trump
By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress as published in National Newswatch
Donald Trump has a problem: workers. As he eyes a potential victory in November, the Democrats have strategically chosen a union guy to be Kamala Harris’ running mate.
Despite Trump’s repeated attempts to appeal to workers, the Democrats’ VP pick has unleashed a fresh wave of energy for the party, which is on full display at the Democratic National Convention this week.
In today’s political landscape, labour-friendly rhetoric is becoming a common theme on both sides of the border, even from those with a history of opposing workers’ rights.
Here in Canada, with the next federal election on the horizon, pro-worker messaging is being road tested across the political spectrum. Party leaders are keen to tap into the genuine frustrations that workers feel.
It’s no wonder. With the soaring cost of groceries, housing, and other essentials, many working families are struggling. If a party can convincingly position itself as the one best equipped to address the challenges facing workers, it can secure the support of this crucial voter bloc.
So, how do we distinguish between politicians who are merely paying lip service from those genuinely committed to supporting workers? We can take a lesson from the U.S.
Look at Trump’s Republicans. Despite the fact Mr. Trump is a billionaire with a track record of opposing labour rights, Republicans have recently embraced a pro-union stance amidst widespread support for unions among the working class. A union card is a ticket to fairer wages, improved benefits, respect in the workplace, and financial security during retirement – so the very people who used to lead anti-union attacks are now cosplaying as pro-union.
Contrast this with vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz. A former teacher and football coach, Mr. Walz is relatable. He is someone who could live next door and who you might chat with on the school run. As a proud and active union member with a history of supporting labour-friendly policies, Walz has real credibility with the working class.
As governor of Minnesota, powered by a grassroots movement of workers and their unions, Walz has enacted policies that resonate with working families, such as tax fairness, paid sick leave, and free school meals for all children in his state. This is the kind of pro-worker C.V. that working families can get behind – which spells trouble for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Mr. Poilievre has attacked union advocates. He has repeatedly voted to force striking workers back to work and imposed low-wage settlements on workers.
During his tenure in Stephen Harper’s government, he led efforts to attack unions’ ability to operate, boasting about wanting to create union-free workplaces and campaigning for right-to-work legislation in Canada. He also helped attack the Canada Pension Plan, weaken Employment Insurance, and cut healthcare funding by billions of dollars.
Despite his recent rhetoric, Mr. Poilievre hasn’t had a change of heart since becoming party leader. Over the past year, he and his party have done everything to block pro-worker legislation. They voted against and used procedural tactics to stall the Sustainable Jobs Act, a bill designed to create and protect good union jobs and give workers a say in the future of work. They also opposed legislation to provide rental support and voted against dental care and pharmacare for millions of people in Canada.
As political leaders pay more attention to the working class than ever before, workers are getting increasingly adept at seeing through politicians who claim to back them while working to undermine workers’ rights and weaken unions.
Like Donald Trump, any politician who pretends to support workers while pushing an anti-worker agenda has a problem. Being truly pro-worker is the only solution.