Tim Walz from AFSCME Convention: ‘We know that when unions are strong, America is strong’
LOS ANGELES – Today, in his first solo campaign event as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz delivered a rousing speech at AFSCME’s 46thInternational Convention. AFSCME President Lee Saunders introduced the longtime labor champion to a crowd of more than 4,000 public service workers.
“Tim is more than an ally,” said Saunders. “He understands us because he is one of us – a union brother who spent years as a public service worker in his community. He embodies the very best of public service – leading with empathy, looking after everyone and leaving behind no one. ... He’s a stand-up guy, absolute salt of the earth. And come next January, he will bring his decency and common sense to the White House.”
As Minnesota’s governor, Walz protected AFSCME jobs while investing in the public services they provide — passing legislation banning private prisons and giving public school workers the ability to provide free breakfast and lunch to their students. Walz did all this for Minnesota’s communities while getting state workers, AFSCME members, a historic contract with across-the-board raises and expanding their freedoms on the job.
“We know that when unions are strong, America is strong,” Walz said. “That’s why Vice President Harris and I have both joined workers on the picket line. And it’s why, as governor, I signed one of the biggest packages of pro-worker policies in history into law. Today, Minnesota is one of the best states for workers in the nation. That’s our vision for the entire country.”
AFSCME members will be out in full force in their communities to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s campaign, conducting major get-out-the-vote efforts in key battleground states, including Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Wisconsin.
To find a video recording of Walz’s speech from AFSCME’s convention in Los Angeles, visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/fPsRlmGR-5M