Detroit’s labor history has long been a leading force of strength, resilience, and collective power. On this Labor Day, the city once again found itself at the heart of the nation’s labor movement. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a resonant speech at Northwestern High School, emphasizing the importance of unity and the enduring power of organized labor. This event, attended by national union leaders and local workers alike, underscored Detroit’s pivotal role in the upcoming election and its significance as the Motor City—a symbol of America’s industrial might and the labor movements that fueled it.
Harris stood before a crowd energized by the deep connection between Detroit’s history and the labor movement. Her message was clear: the future of America’s workforce depends on the strength of its unions. “When unions are strong, America is strong,” Harris proclaimed, setting the tone for a speech that highlighted the critical role of unions in securing essential rights for workers. These rights, often taken for granted today, include the five-day work week, sick leave, paid leave, and vacation time. Harris did not mince words as she drove this point home. “You may not be a union member, but you better thank a union member for the five-day work week, for sick leave, for paid leave, and for vacation time,” she declared, her voice cutting through the applause that followed.
Her speech, though brief at just 15 minutes, carried the weight of decades of labor struggles. Harris emphasized the broad impact of union efforts, noting that when union wages rise, all workers benefit. “What we know is when union wages go up, everybody’s wages go up,” she said. This statement resonated with the crowd, many of whom have lived the reality of these gains. Harris’ message was about the past with a call to action for the future. She reminded those gathered that the labor movement has always understood “the power of the collective and the power of unity.” “When people stand together, when we join voices, knowing that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us … we can drive extraordinary change,” Harris continued, drawing a clear line between collective action and the progress it can achieve.
The significance of Harris’ speech extended far beyond the walls of Northwestern High School. Detroit, a city with a rich labor history, has always been a battleground for workers’ rights. The city’s annual Labor Day parade, held just miles from the venue, was a testament to this legacy. Union members marched in solidarity, many of them wearing Kamala Harris buttons and waving signs in support of the Harris-Walz campaign. The parade route, which stretched from Corktown to Michigan Central Station, served as a living reminder of Detroit’s storied labor heritage and its ongoing relevance in national politics.
Union leaders who attended Harris’ speech were invigorated by her words. Margaret Mock, Secretary-Treasurer of the UAW, expressed her renewed enthusiasm following Harris’ address. “When I think that my enthusiasm can’t get any higher or deeper, she does it for me every time,” Mock said, reflecting on how Harris inspires her to continue the fight. Mock plans to engage in grassroots efforts to support Harris, emphasizing the importance of securing a win in Michigan this November. “I’m so excited to get out there and knock doors … stuff envelopes, whatever I have to do in order to get her over the finish line because I don’t want to go back,” she added, her determination palpable.
For UAW Local 22 President Larry Davis, Harris’ message resonated deeply with the realities faced by Detroit’s working families. Representing workers at GM’s Factory Zero plant in Detroit and Hamtramck, Davis spoke about the importance of ongoing informational meetings aimed at educating union members about Harris’ commitment to labor rights. “She gets us,” Davis stated simply but powerfully, encapsulating the sentiment of many union members who see Harris as an ally in their ongoing struggle for fair wages and better working conditions.
Michigan’s role as a battleground state was evident in Harris’ visit. With 64 days until the November 5 election, the stakes are undeniably high. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who also made an appearance on Labor Day, highlighted the stark contrast between Harris and her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. Whitmer emphasized Harris’ middle-class roots and her understanding of the challenges faced by working families in Michigan and across the country. “It’s very clear we’ve got a team of Harris and Walz who come from the middle class, have done the hard jobs, have taken care of their families, who understand what people are going through,” Whitmer told members of the press. Her words were a pointed reminder of the importance of having leaders who prioritize the needs of the middle class.
Trump, in contrast, used social media to criticize the current economic situation. He took to the platform Truth Social to voice his concerns, stating, “Americans are suffering during this holiday weekend.” Trump pointed to high gas prices, increased transportation costs, and rising grocery prices as evidence of the nation’s economic woes. He promised that, if re-elected, he would create an environment where “all workers, and businesses, have the opportunity to prosper and achieve their American dream.” However, for many in Detroit, Harris’ message of unity and support for workers carried more weight.
Harris’ speech acknowledged the deep ties between Detroit and the labor movement, ties that have shaped the city’s identity and the lives of its residents. Detroit’s labor movement has long been a symbol of collective strength, a testament to what can be achieved when workers unite for a common cause. Harris’ focus on labor rights, her commitment to protecting and expanding these rights, reflects the values that have defined Detroit for decades.
Elwanza Guess, a member of United Auto Workers Local 51 who works at Stellantis NV’s Detroit Assembly, marched in the parade with a Kamala button proudly displayed on her chest. Guess spoke about the importance of the fight ahead, a fight that she believes Harris is well-equipped to lead. “We’re prepped and ready for the fight that we’re up against,” Guess said, her voice filled with resolve. For Guess and many others, the fight is about more than just an election; it’s about protecting the middle class and ensuring that the gains made by the labor movement are not rolled back. Guess supports Harris because of her commitment to the middle class and her dedication to ensuring that all Americans—not just the rich or the poor, but those in-between—can have a good living.
The atmosphere at Detroit’s Labor Day parade was festive, yet marked by a sense of urgency. The speeches delivered by Harris, Whitmer, and other Democratic leaders all carried a clear message: the stakes of this election are too high to ignore. For Michigan’s working-class voters, particularly those in the auto industry, the choice between Harris and Trump could have lasting implications for their lives and livelihoods.
As Harris continues her campaign in Michigan, her message of unity and support for labor resonates strongly with those who understand the importance of collective action. Detroit’s labor history stands as a powerful reminder of the victories that can be achieved through solidarity and perseverance. Harris’ message on Labor Day was more than just a campaign speech—it was a call to continue the fight for workers’ rights, a fight that is far from over.
Harris’ visit to Detroit on Labor Day was not just a campaign stop; it was a reaffirmation of the values that have defined the city for generations. The fight for workers’ rights is ongoing, and as Harris made clear, the power of unity is essential for driving the change that America’s workforce needs. Detroit, with its rich labor history, remains at the forefront of this battle, a city that knows all too well the importance of standing together to achieve a common goal.
As the election approaches, the future of workers’ rights in America hangs in the balance. Detroit’s labor movement, a beacon of strength and unity, stands ready to continue the fight, guided by leaders like Kamala Harris who understand the power of collective action and the importance of protecting the rights of all workers. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with unity and determination, Detroit’s labor movement will continue to be a force for change.