At the Boston convention, Tim Walz pledges support for firefighters: "We'll have your back"

On Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, addressed union firefighters and emergency medical personnel in Boston, emphasizing that Vice President Kamala Harris, not former President Donald Trump, would prioritize their rights to negotiate collectively, safeguard their pensions, and preserve funding for federal firefighting resources.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), a labor union representing about 350,000 firefighters and emergency medical workers, hosted the event at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

"I assure you, when Vice President Harris and I are elected, we will always have your support, just as you have had ours throughout this time," Walz stated as he began his speech. He added that the current Harris-Biden administration is "the most pro-labor administration in history."

In his speech, Walz criticized Trump's stance on workers' rights, arguing that Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, aimed to limit workers' ability to collectively bargain.

"The only thing Trump and Vance know about working people is how to exploit them, how to evade paying them," the Minnesota governor stated. "They have consistently attacked workers' rights to collectively bargain in every opportunity they've had."

"Walz insisted that Donald Trump is attempting to conceal the Project 2025 plan, stating, "They're going to use it.""

Walz urged everyone to watch the upcoming debate between Harris and Trump on Sept. 10, even though many people might be more drawn to Monday Night Football. He emphasized that the discussion that night would significantly affect individuals' retirement plans, their children's education, and the country's infrastructure future.

"Walz insisted on Wednesday that when Republicans used to discuss freedom, they meant it. However, the current group of Republicans wants the government to have the freedom to invade every aspect of people's lives, including union halls, schools, and even doctor's offices. The vice president and Walz have a different vision of this."

In two weeks, the Democratic vice presidential nominee made a trip to the IAFF's 57th annual convention in Boston, marking the second visit he has made to the city in that time frame.