Staff Reports
In a delightful display of defiance, Pennsylvania’s steelworkers are throwing a wrench in the gears of their union leadership and standing firmly behind Donald Trump as Election Day approaches. At a recent rally in Pittsburgh, energized members of the United Steelworkers (USW) union turned out in droves, sporting hard hats and eager expressions, demonstrating that not all labor unions are on the same page as their political leaders.
As Trump fired up the crowd, USW members were right behind him—proof that not everyone in the union agrees with its endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Steelworkers like Ron Anderson made it clear they support Trump for a reason: he saved jobs with tariffs during his presidency, and they hope he’ll do it again. While union bosses cozy up to Harris, these working-class heroes are putting their faith in a man who’s shown he cares about American jobs over international appeasement.
Pennsylvania Steel workers endorse Donald Trump for president, says he "saved the steel industry with tariffs"
"You're my hero, and you're the greatest president ever!" pic.twitter.com/w7yjFySniZ
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) October 19, 2024
The USW threw its weight behind Harris, declaring her the champion of labor and the champion of working families. But while union leaders drink the Biden-Harris Kool-Aid, the rank-and-file workers are calling for a different flavor. One local group aptly named “Steelworkers for Trump” proclaims that it was Trump who kept them employed, making it rather clear that the workers and their leaders aren’t singing the same tune.
This labor rift isn’t isolated to Pennsylvania; similar sentiments are bubbling under the surface in other unions as well. The Teamsters, a heavyweight in the union world, opted not to endorse Harris but hasn’t given Trump an official nod either, despite poll numbers showing a lean towards the former president among its membership. The divide between the leadership and the workers is becoming more pronounced, revealing a growing discontent with the political status quo that many union members are eager to ditch.
Even the United Auto Workers (UAW)—having formally endorsed Harris—has seen whispers of discontent amongst its ranks. Reports indicate that a significant majority of UAW members are quietly rooting for Trump. For them, the prospect of more jobs and safer manufacturing environments outweighs any rallying cry for a Democratic administration. It appears that the rank-and-file are less interested in political platitudes and more focused on job security, pocketbooks, and what actually benefits their families.
As the election approaches, the political tides may be shifting in favor of those who want to keep their jobs, not simply rely on union affiliations. While Harris rallies her backers in an effort to shore up union support, many steelworkers and other union members are preparing to cast their votes for a man who embodies a promise to revive American manufacturing and put workers first, even if that means going against the directive from union headquarters. In this showdown between workers and their leaders, the outcome may very well hinge on the resolve of those blue-collar souls determined to bring a little common sense back to American politics.
