President Biden Joins Unions for Labor Day Speech

President Joe Biden arrives to speak during a Labor Day event at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 in Philadelphia on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 (Alison Amarain/AKSM Photography).

President Biden spent his Labor Day with union workers in Philadelphia to celebrate adequate jobs.

Article by Dean Millard, Junior White House Correspondent

PHILADELPHIA - “When the middle class does well, everyone does well!” This was President Joe Biden’s message as he addressed sheet metal workers at Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO’s annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade Kickoff. The president highlighted the laboring efforts of Americans.

Immediately after taking the stage, President Joe Biden was met with chants of “Four more years!” The president was met with constant energy, remarks, and encouragement from the crowd throughout his speech.

The event was hosted by Gary Masino, president of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19. Before President Biden gave his speech, Representative Dwight Evans spoke and praised the president for his exemplary leadership.

Senator Bob Casey, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, Representative Brendan Boyle, Democratic Mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker, and Mayor Jim Kenny were some of the elected officials in attendance amongst others.

President Biden reminded the crowd that America has the best economy in the world. When highlighting the fact that there are Fortune 500 companies in the United States that have not paid their federal taxes, which incited boos from his audience.

There were also many boos when he brought up how former President Donald Trump was “one of two presidents in history that left office with fewer jobs in America than when he got elected office.”

President Biden credited the resilience and perseverance of the American people amidst economic crisis and appalling levels of unemployment. President Biden resounded that “there is no quit in America! None!”

The president criticized Republicans “on the other side” for saying economic turmoil in our nation indicates that America is failing. He combatted this by saying “They are wrong!” and reiterated how America has the strongest economy in the world.

President Biden talked about his administration’s proudest accomplishments for labor workers like creating 800,000 new manufacturing jobs, extending overtime pay, and protecting pensions from millions of union workers by way of the Bush-Lewis Act.

President Biden, who considers himself to be the most pro-union president in American history, spoke enthusiastically and the crowd applauded continuously throughout his speech. His podium was surrounded by signs that displayed the words “Union Strong.”

“The only thing that comes with age is a little bit of wisdom,” President Biden remarked, as there have been numerous speculations about his age and capacity as president. He then said, “I’ve been doing this longer than anybody.”

The president acknowledged how job satisfaction is at a record high in our nation. He also highlighted how his administration has managed to effectively reduce inflation and unemployment.

Many have supported the idea of lowering wages, which would result in higher unemployment. However, President Biden maintained his staunch position on this strategy, restating that this is not the approach his administration aims to take.

President Biden concluded his speech by telling the crowd, “You’re the best!” As he departed the podium, he saluted to the crowd. He then said how doing a rope line would delay the start of the parade, rhetorically asking if he should leave. President Biden proceeded to do the rope line and engage with the crowd.