Harris and Trump battle for labor support as dockworkers suspend strike

This combination photo shows Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump, left, and Democrat presidential nominee Kamala Harris, right, during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center on Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democrat presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center on Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024. (Alex Brandon /Associated Press)

Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting the union stronghold of Flint in the critical swing state of Michigan on Friday as she battles with Donald Trump for working-class voters who could tip the scales in this year’s election.

Her appearance comes the day after U.S. dockworkers suspended their strike in hopes of reaching a new contract, sparing the country a damaging episode of labor unrest that could have rattled the economy. A tentative agreement was reached to raise salaries, although other issues still need to be resolved.

Harris said the development “indicates progress toward a strong contract and represents the power of collective bargaining.” She added in a statement that “dockworkers deserve a fair share for their hard work getting essential goods out to communities across America.”