UAW President Shawn Fain wears 'Trump is a scab' shirt in DNC speech: Watch
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain threw his endorsement behind Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention Monday.
Fain became the face of a resurgent labor movement during the union's contract negotiations and strike against the major American automakers in 2023. Fain thanked President Joe Biden for walking a picket line during the strike and pointed to when Harris herself walked a picket line as California Senator.
Fain framed the election as a battle between a pro vs. anti-working class battle, in an echo of an earlier segment featuring six union presidents. "For us in the labor movement it's real simple Kamala Harris is one of us," Fain said.
Fain wore a shirt reading, "Trump is a scab" and used the phrase as an applause line in the speech.
The absence of Teamsters President Sean O'Brien appears to be a rebuke of keynote speaker on the first night of the Republican National Committee convention in Milwaukee last month, though O'Brien sought to speak at both conventions. The Washington Post reported that the union will have a presence onstage in Chicago and Harris campaign will meet with the Teamsters after the convention.
Who are they: President of the United Auto Workers union.
What role they play: Labor has been a historic bloc of support for the Democratic party and has seen a resurgence under the Biden administration. Six labor leaders spoke ahead of Fein, throwing the support of multiple unions behind the nominee.
Key quote: "For the UAW and for working people everywhere it comes down one question: what side are you on? On one side we have Kamala Harris and Tim Walz who have stood shoulder to shoulder with the working class. On the other side we have Trump and Vance, two lap dogs for the billionaire class who only serve themselves."
Democratic convention live updates: What to know about the line up, live stream and more
When and where is the 2024 DNC
The Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.
The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.
Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.
How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC
The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.
USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.
What are the themes for each night of the DNC?
The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is "For the People, For Our Future."
Here are the themes for each night:
Monday: "For the People"
Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"
Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"
Thursday: "For our Future"
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UAW President Shawn Fain throws support behind Harris in DNC speech