Biden to Sign Order for Fed Workers    09/06 06:05

   President Joe Biden on Friday plans to sign an executive order for federal 
grants that would prioritize projects with labor agreements, wage standards, 
and benefits such as access to child care and apprenticeship programs.

   PITTSBURGH (AP) -- President Joe Biden on Friday plans to sign an executive 
order for federal grants that would prioritize projects with labor agreements, 
wage standards, and benefits such as access to child care and apprenticeship 
programs.

   The Biden administration is trying to make the case that economic growth 
should flow out of better conditions for workers.

   "A good job is a job with security and benefits, where workers have the 
right to join a union, advocate for better working conditions, come home safe 
and healthy, and retire with dignity," said Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su.

   Biden is going to a union training center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to 
announce the order as the administration has stressed the vital role that 
organized labor will likely play for Democrats in November's election. In her 
matchup against Republican Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris is 
depending on backing from the AFL-CIO and other unions to help turn out voters 
in key states.

   Trump has tried to make inroads with organized labor as well by having 
Teamsters President Sean O'Brien speak at the Republican National Convention. 
The Teamsters have yet to formally endorse any candidate, though Harris is 
expected to meet with them.

   The order would establish a task force to coordinate policy development with 
the goal of ensuring more benefits for workers. The administration's funding 
for infrastructure, computer chip manufacturing and the development of 
renewable energy sources has led to a wave of projects.

   By the administration's count, its incentives have prompted $900 billion 
worth of private-sector investments in renewable energy and manufacturing. 
Those commitments have yet to resonate much with voters who are more focused on 
the lingering damage caused by inflation spiking in 2022, but many projects 
will take several years to come to fruition.