One fact that has become evident in the current run-up to the 2020 presidential election is that the Democratic contenders are tripping over each other to win the backing of organized labor. The Democratic Party has forever had a firm pro-union plank in their platform and have in some form or another stated that if elected, they will take immediate action to facilitate union organizing and rebuild the union house. However, now more than ever, unions are holding the candidates’ feet to the fire. Recently, Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, the umbrella group over most unions, said that none of the Democratic presidential hopefuls should take labor support for granted. He wants to see exactly what measures each of the candidates proposes to support and grow the union ranks.
Democratic candidates have always relied upon strong union support (beyond just their financial contributions, which are substantial). Union members have traditionally manned phone banks, made door-to-door calls, sent out mailers, organized and attended rallies, helped get out the vote, and generally been the boots-on-the ground for their favorite candidate. Organized labor understandably expects payback for all the union support in the past and anticipated support in the 2020 campaign.