Union divide: Male workers challenge Harris's path to White House

In the run-up to next weeks election Kamala Harris faces a tough-to-crack challenge with male union volunteers‚ whose help is needed for get-out-the-vote efforts (while female support remains solid)

The battle for union backing shows a clear gender split: service unions report women stepping up their support‚ but building-trades groups — mostly white-male dominated — show less enthusiasm. Liz Shuler who leads the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO points out: “some people dont look past gender when thinking about presidential qualities“

Letʼs be honest‚ there are people who look at a female candidate and at face value dismiss her because‚ you know‚ sheʼs perceived as not being presidential

Union votes make up about one-fifth of voters in key battle-ground states; Michigan Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — these states could make-or-break the election outcome. Recent polls show Harris leading among union households with 47% support versus Trumps 36%; however this marks a drop from the last election when Democrats had a 16-point edge

The situation varies by region and union type:

• UAW Local 180 in Wisconsin reports strong pro-Harris activity
• Philadelphia area campaigns had to scale back due to volunteer shortages
• Teamsters chose not to endorse after their poll showed Trump leading
• Building trades unions show resistance while service unions see increased women support

Door-to-door campaigners find male households particularly challenging — disagreements about facts often derail conversations. The AFL-CIO has shifted its strategy focusing on workplace visits where meaningful discussions are more likely to happen