Presidents from 6 labor unions throw support behind Kamala Harris at DNC: Watch speech

JJ Hensley, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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Leaders from six of the largest labor unions in the U.S. were part of the group of speakers kicking off the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday.

Most of the labor leaders spoke of their experiences working with Vice President Kamala Harris and the support their groups have enjoyed during the Biden-Harris administration.

The Democratic National Committee convention is in Chicago through Thursday and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday is scheduled to formally accept the party's nomination for the 2024 Election.

  • Who are they: Leaders from six different labor groups:

    • Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

    • April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

    • Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)

    • Kenneth W. Cooper, International President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

    • Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA)

    • Elizabeth H. Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

  • What role they play: The keynote speaker on the first night of the Republican National Committee convention in Milwaukee last month was the Teamsters President Sean O'Brien. Democrats will have UAW President Shawn Fain speaking Monday, in addition to leaders from these six labor groups.

  • Key quote: "We are going to build a younger, darker, hipper, fresher, sneaker wearing labor movement," Verrett said. "A movement that is going to be more inclusive and built for the middle class. And we are going to end poverty-wage work once and for all."

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

When and where is the DNC

The Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.

The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.

Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.

How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC

The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

What are the themes for each night of the DNC?

The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is "For the People, For Our Future."

Here are the themes for each night:

  • Monday: "For the People"

  • Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"

  • Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"

  • Thursday: "For our Future"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Labor union presidents endorse Kamala Harris at DNC: Watch video

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