Where Do Presidential Candidates Stand on Workplace Issues? (1 of 2)
In our 4-part blog series, “America at Work,” we’re taking a look at workforce trends and perspectives across the United States.
In May, Money published this article about America’s 2020 presidential candidates, citing each politician’s stance on certain workplace issues. Given our position in the talent and recruitment industry, we thought we’d recap that article now. To be clear, the purpose of this blog is to:
- Help you identify each presidential candidate’s take on America’s workforce
- Draw your own conclusions about how one’s presidency could impact your presence in the job market
As it happens, there’s a boatload of presidential candidates this season, so we boldfaced a key takeaway from each candidate for easy reading. Also, this blog represents only half of the presidential candidates, but don’t worry—we’ll be recapping the other half next week.
Who is running for president, and where does each candidate stand on workplace issues?
Joe Biden (D)
White House guy. Self-proclaimed union man. Endorses a $15 minimum wage and free four-year pubic college. Promotes gender equity in the workplace. Advocates transparent salaries, allowing workers to have more say in their income.
Cory Booker (D)
Jersey guy. Introduced bill to combat “no poach” agreements that will limit worker mobility and “guarantee jobs in 15 urban and rural areas” including $15 an hour, health benefits, and paid family and sick leave. Aims to decrease racial wealth gap in America.
Pete Buttigieg (D)
Nice guy. Proponent of paid family leave. Supports proposed Equality Act, which would protect LGBTQ individuals in the workplace. Concerned about automation and new training plus higher wages for workers.
Julián Castro (D)
HUD guy. Committed to $15/hour minimum wage and unions. Wants to renegotiate NAFTA to protect workers and the environment. Supports Medicare for All and affordable housing as elements of “improving the lives of working Americans.”
John Delaney (D)
Stock market guy. Pro-business centrist. Same union and minimum wage takes as other Democrats. Also concerned about automation in the workplace. Self-described “pro-jobs Democrat” and “pro-business.”
Tulsi Gabbard (D)
Iraq war veteran. Minimum wage upper. Wants to break up big banks and supports paid family and medical leave. Supports LGBTQ rights in the workplace, education, and other settings. Wants to decriminalize sex work.
Kirsten Gillibrand (D)
New Yorker. Spearheading legislation to combat workplace harassment via BE HEARD Act. Wants to protect workers and allow them to bring lawsuits against employers when necessary. At forefront of Congressional response to sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace.
Kamala Harris (D)
California gal. Shares the same minimum wage stance as her Dem counterparts, but with an emphasis on farmers’ incomes. Endorses right-to-work laws and is critical of major corporations for shortchanging employees. First candidate to endorse decriminalization of sex work.
John Hickenlooper (D)
Colorado guy and gig economy truther. Wants to shut down tax loopholes for fat cat organizations. Interested in universal medical coverage so people can change jobs more easily. Will limit higher minimum wage to cities with higher costs of living.
Jay Inslee (D)
Climate change guy. Up with clean energy, down with fossil fuels. Cites fast growth of solar installer and wind turbine technician jobs. Emphasizes need to better train American workforce. Has made efforts to close gender wage gap.
– TO BE CONTINUED –
Swing by the blog page next week for workforce perspectives from the remaining presidential candidates.
Until then, why not visit our resources page for more news, notes, and tips from Acara Solutions? And don’t forget to check us out on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
