Teamsters President Sean O'Brien delivered an unprecedented speech at the Republican National Convention, warning that Washington, D.C. has become "treacherous" and expressing support for the GOP as the party of the working class.
Teamsters President Sean O'Brien caused a stir when he became the first union leader in the organization's 121-year history to address the Republican National Convention. In his speech, O'Brien highlighted the growing gap between the Democratic Party and working-class Americans, arguing that the GOP has an opportunity to become the party of Main Street.
O'Brien pointed out the Democrats' abandonment of the middle and working class, emphasizing the rising cost of living under the Biden administration. He suggested that Republicans and former President Donald Trump could make the GOP attractive to working-class voters by embracing policies that support trade union members, independent contractors, gig workers, and small business owners.
Teamsters President Slams DC as 'Treacherous' and Embraces GOP
He stressed the importance of collaboration among workers of all types, arguing that a bridge between them would benefit all. O'Brien drew upon his personal experience as an electrician and trade union member to illustrate the advantages of unions, including ongoing training and support for skilled workers.
However, O'Brien noted that unions sometimes conflict with small businesses and independent workers. He called for the GOP to find a way to unite these groups, allowing unions to advocate for their members without harming the interests of Main Street businesses.
Teamsters President Slams DC as 'Treacherous' and Embraces GOP
He highlighted the harmful effects of the PROAct and the Biden administration's Department of Labor independent contractor rule on gig workers, independent workers, and small business owners. O'Brien urged the GOP to advocate for policies that support the needs of all workers, including those in nontraditional employment arrangements.
Beyond trade unions, O'Brien urged the GOP to engage with small business organizations and independent worker advocates. He pointed out the significant contribution small businesses and independent workers make to the American economy.
Teamsters President Slams DC as 'Treacherous' and Embraces GOP
O'Brien stressed that small businesses and independent workers should have a meaningful role in the ongoing effort to preserve the American Dream. He emphasized the need to bring together union workers and independent workers, building a bridge that meets their shared interests.
He acknowledged the challenges of uniting such diverse groups but asserted that it presents an opportunity to give all Americans a chance to prosper. O'Brien concluded his speech by calling on the GOP to embrace this opportunity and become the party of the working class and small businesses.
Teamsters President Slams DC as 'Treacherous' and Embraces GOP
