SCIO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) – President Joe Biden visited Scio Township in Michigan Friday to sign a new labor-focused executive order.
The President spoke with union members inside a training facility for UA Local 190 about his “Investing in America” agenda and directed federal agencies to prioritize new labor standards.
Named the “Good Jobs Executive Order”, Biden referred to it as another step in what he calls the most pro-union administration in the nation’s history.
“Not only did the middle class build America, you built the middle class,” the President said to a crowd of union workers.
The Good Jobs Executive Order instructs federal agencies to prioritize projects that provide benefits like family leave and healthcare to workers, as well as those that voluntarily recognize unions.
“For the first time in our history, the official policy of a presidential administration is to specify a clear list of higher labor standards for jobs created through my Investing in America agenda,” said Biden.
The President arguing that the key to economic growth starts with better conditions for workers and for unions.
“I asked the Treasury Department to do a study. And it shows that when union workers do well, every worker in America does better,” he said.
The visit marked President Biden’s first trip to Michigan since he dropped out of the race in July.
While he may no longer be a candidate for another term, the President took several opportunities draw differences between his pro-union polices and those of former President Donald Trump, referring to Trump as a union buster and a failed businessman.
It’s a difference he hopes will propel his party to another four years in the White House.
“My predecessor believes America is a failing nation. He’s a failing President and a failing man. He’s wrong. America isn’t failing. We’re winning,” said Biden.
It comes after a big labor-focused week for Democrats. The Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, was in Detroit for Labor Day, just a few short days before President Biden’s visit.
In a statement, Team Trump Michigan Communications Director Victoria LaCivita said, “Joe’s trip to Michigan is another sickening reminder to every Michigander that a Kamala presidency would be another four years of historic inflation, high prices, and lost jobs to electric vehicles. Despite Kamala and Joe’s best efforts, Michigan voters know that only President Donald J. Trump offers the common sense solutions that will Make Michigan Great Again.”
Democrats are not the only ones with Michigan in their crosshairs. Former President Trump has put emphasis on the state in recent weeks as well, making three trips to the state since August 20.
