AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka | Alex Brandon/AP Biden and Sanders to attend union forum in Orlando

TALLAHASSEE — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, on a collision course in the race for the Democratic nomination for president, will participate in a key Florida forum next week with one of the nation’s largest labor organizations.

The AFL-CIO on Friday said both candidates will participate in a union forum in Orlando March 12, just five days before the Florida presidential primary, when 219 delegates will be up for grabs. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will participate in the event and union members will be given an opportunity to question both men.


Florida looms as a potential make-or-break moment for the two Democrats. Biden is seen as the frontrunner, a status he likely cemented after former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg dropped out of the race this week. Hillary Clinton bested Sanders by 30 points in the Florida primary four years ago.

Recent polls have shown Biden with a lead in the state, and a line of Florida elected Democrats have thrown their support to the former vice president in the last few days. More endorsements from Democratic legislators and others are expected Friday.

Biden’s campaign has started to open up offices and is expected to have six locations operating by Sunday.

The Florida AFL-CIO, a federation of unions, claims more than 1 million union members, retirees, and their families in the state. Its ranks include state workers, teachers, firefighters, maintenance workers and various trades.

CORRECTION: Correction: An earlier version of this report misidentified Trumka’s role in the event.