WASHINGTON — Working-class voters helped Republicans make regular election beneficial properties this 12 months and expanded a coalition that more and more contains rank-and-file union members, a political shift spotlighting one among President-elect Donald Trump’s newest Cupboard picks: a GOP congresswoman, who has drawn labor assist, to be his labor secretary.
Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly misplaced her bid for a second time period this month, regardless of sturdy backing from union members, a key a part of the Democratic base however gravitating within the Trump period towards a Republican Celebration historically allied with enterprise pursuits.
“Lori’s strong support from both the Business and Labor communities will ensure that the Labor Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our Agenda for unprecedented National Success — Making America Richer, Wealthier, Stronger and more Prosperous than ever before!” Trump stated in an announcement asserting his selection Friday night time.
Teamsters impartial
For many years, labor unions have sided with Democrats and been greeted largely with hostility by Republicans. However with Trump’s populist attraction, his working-class base noticed an honest share of union rank-and-file voting for Republicans this 12 months, at the same time as main unions, together with the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Staff, endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris within the White Home race.
Trump sat down with the Worldwide Brotherhood of Teamsters union management and members this 12 months, and when he emerged from that assembly, he boasted {that a} vital chunk of union voters have been backing him. Of a attainable Teamsters endorsement, he stated, “Stranger things have happened.”
The Teamsters in the end declined to endorse both Trump, the previous president, or Harris, the vice chairman, although chief Sean O’Brien had a distinguished talking slot on the Republican Nationwide Conference.
Kara Deniz, a Teamsters spokesperson, advised The Related Press that O’Brien met with greater than a dozen Home Republicans final week to foyer on behalf of Chavez-DeRemer. “Chavez-DeRemer would be an excellent choice for labor secretary and has his backing,” Deniz stated.
The work of the Labor Division impacts employees’ wages, well being and security; their means to unionize; and employers’ rights to fireplace employers, amongst different obligations.
On Election Day, Trump deepened his assist amongst voters and not using a school diploma after operating simply barely forward of Democrat Joe Biden with noncollege voters in 2020.