DNC Day 3: Illinois Democrats celebrate workers' rights, union progress

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Labor and workers' rights were a major focus of the Illinois delegation breakfast kicking off the third day of the DNC. Illinois Democrats believe the country wouldn't be where it is today without unions.

Chicago has always been well known as a union town, and top Democratic leaders are making sure the country knows Illinois constantly fights for workers' rights.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul spoke during the Illinois delegation breakfast in Chicago on August 21, 2024.

"Because Democrats understand working people, they understand the hardship and struggles some families endure to make ends meet," said Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor. "They know that when working families win, we win."

Labor leaders told supporters that Democrats should be proud that Illinois has improved rights of temp workers, expanded paid leave, and enshrined the right to collectively bargain in the state constitution. They also celebrated the state's new law banning captive audience meetings, where employers force workers to listen to anti-union rhetoric.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said union values are popular with the majority of Americans.

"Americans agree with us that it is the wealthy who are not paying their fair share and the middle class that needs a break, not the other way around," Buttigieg said. "Americans agree with us that in a free you country, you are free to join a union and get a good day's wage and benefits for a good day's work."

The Illinois Attorney General's office is responsible for enforcing labor laws. Kwame Raoul said his team has returned overtime pay to workers in Bloomington, investigated workplace fraud and fought against misclassification of employees.

"I'm not confused that we have access to healthcare as a standard employment benefit because of unions," Raoul said. "Now, the Republican AGs have sued relentlessly to take access to healthcare away. Guess what? You know, they not like us."

Raoul had tough criticism of former president Donald Trump during the Illinois delegate brunch. The Chicago Democrat used the popular lyrics by rapper Kendrick Lamar to say MAGA Republicans are "not like us."

The Attorney General called Trump a misogynist and racist, although he told reporters in Chicago that he's not criticizing Republicans across the country.

"I am characterizing their candidate, Donald Trump, as a misogynist and a racist," Raoul stressed. "There's a difference. I think he has hijacked the Republican party, and I have Republicans who are friends. I'm a Democrat. I've been a loyal Democrat for years. I've worked with Republicans, but not Republicans like Donald Trump."

Meanwhile, the Illinois Republican Party said American families are struggling, and every radical at the DNC is to blame.

"Illinois leftists and other radicals are touting progressive success," the IL GOP stated. "It's all a ploy."

Former president Bill Clinton is scheduled to speak during the DNC primetime programming Wednesday night. Minnesota Governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz will be the final speaker of the night.

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