“Uncle Joe” has Fire Fighter’s Union in his Corner

On Monday April 29th, 2019, former Vice President Joe Biden landed the first major union endorsement of the 2020 presidential run. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced their endorsement early in the morning. The video endorsement was announced just hours before Biden planned to hit the campaign trail for the first time after his campaign announcement last week.

Will Union Members respond by “voting their job”?



The president of the IAFF, Harold Schaitberger, spoke at length about Biden’s merits as well as how he had aided the organization in the past: “Joe’s a lot like our firefighters. He’s a problem solver who cares deeply about America and committed to making our country better. He’s one of the staunchest advocates for working families.” Schaitberger goes on to speak to Joe Biden’s long time support of the organization, citing nearly 40 years of continuing support. “We’re loyal,” Schaitberger said. “We respect and reward those who stand with us. In this case, we’re standing with Joe Biden.”

Union Backing Did not Choose Bernie Sanders

To Bernie Sander’s dismay, he did not get the endorsement. A socialist not gaining union backing is not an ideal situation. In addition, the International Association of Fire Fighters is not a trivial organization. The union represents over 316,000 full-time workers which affords them considerable political sway. This endorsement is significantly more important when considering the IAFF did not make an endorsement during the 2016 presidential race. Neither in the primary or otherwise.

This is the beginning of what is sure to be many endorsements from worker unions. Time will tell if the members will follow orders. Will they respond by “voting their job” as the unions want? Or will the American people have their own independent ideas on how they want things run in this country.