See below for tweets by top Virginia elected officials and candidates for Labor Day 2021, including from strongly pro-labor Democrats, then from virulently anti-labor/anti-union Republicans, who nonetheless tweet “happy Labor Day” messages without any sense of self-awareness, shame or irony.
First, the normal tweets…from Democrats, who actually support working people and unions.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D) received perfect, 100% scores from the AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFGE, etc.
Today I’m incredibly grateful for the labor leaders and union members whose work in Virginia is moving the ball forward on critical progressive issues. To all my brothers and sisters in the labor movement across the country, thank you! Happy Labor Day to all.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) September 6, 2021
Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA02) received 100% scores from the AFL-CIO and CWA, with a 93% score from AFGE.
Happy Labor Day! It was a pleasure to join many of my colleagues this morning for the annual Salute to Labor Breakfast with @hamptonVA_dems and @Virginia_AFLCIO. Proud to advocate and protect our workers and know it will take ALL of us to show up this year and vote our values. pic.twitter.com/mbMgbf7GFU
— Elaine Luria (@ElaineLuriaVA) September 6, 2021
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA11) receives mostly perfect, 100% scores from labor.
Happy #LaborDay! Go out and enjoy the day in celebration of all that unions and the labor movement have made possible—for every American worker.
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) September 6, 2021
Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10) received all perfect, 100% scores from labor.
On #LaborDay, we remember with gratitude all those who have fought over the years for workers’ rights and dignity.
I’ve been a champion for workers and unions in Congress, and I’m continuing to push for pro-worker policies like the #PROAct to become law. pic.twitter.com/s4BuBKpKos
— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) September 6, 2021
Rep. Bobby Scott (R-VA03) received mostly perfect, 100% scores from organized labor.
America's labor unions are essential to rebuilding our middle class. That’s why House Democrats passed the #PROAct to protect and strengthen workers’ basic right to organize. Now the Senate must do its part to support workers and their families. #PassthePROAct #LaborDay pic.twitter.com/I1igANK1aC
— Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) September 6, 2021
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08) received between 90% and 100% ratings from organized labor.
Happy Labor Day! Unions are the foundation of America’s middle class, and today and everyday we thank unions for all they’ve done for this country. I firmly support legislation to strengthen labor protections, including the PRO Act. pic.twitter.com/8AMVsyCOfV
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) September 6, 2021
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07) received strong ratings (78%, 93%, 95%) from organized labor.
On #LaborDay, we honor those who advocated for fairer working conditions, higher wages, and other reforms. I am proud of my work in Congress to advocate for the rights, safety, & dignity for American workers.
— Abigail Spanberger (@SpanbergerForVA) September 6, 2021
Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA04) received nearly perfect scores from organized labor.
https://twitter.com/RepMcEachin/status/1434939523671240705
Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe is strongly pro-labor, but has never served in a state legislature, so doesn’t have any ratings from organized labor in Vote Smart.
Happy Labor Day, folks. Today is about celebrating the accomplishments of hard-working people here in Virginia and across the country. As we rebuild from this pandemic, we must put workers FIRST. $15 min wage, paid leave, and affordable health care. Let’s do it! 💥🇺🇸
— Terry McAuliffe (@TerryMcAuliffe) September 6, 2021
Del. Hala Ayala, the Virginia Democrats’ Lt. Gov. nominee for 2021, received a 100% rating from the Virginia AFL-CIO.
Today, I’m celebrating Virginia workers and our nation’s labor movement. As we reflect on the tireless advocacy of labor movements that brought us weekends, workplace safety, overtime pay, sick leave, and so much more, we must remember that this is the floor — not the ceiling.
— Hala Ayala (@HalaAyala) September 6, 2021
Attorney General Mark Herring hasn’t been in the state legislature since 2013, with his last rating a strong 92% from the VA AFL-CIO.
Under Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn’s leadership, Virginia has moved from #51 in the country for workers to the top half, at #23, in just a couple years!
Happy Labor Day! Virginians have so much to celebrate today, from the incredible achievements of our workers despite the pandemic to our Commonwealth jumping to no. 23 in the nation for workers — up from dead last! pic.twitter.com/GlovZ2L4px
— Eileen Filler-Corn (@EFillerCorn) September 6, 2021
And in the “YOU MUST BE F’ING KIDDING ME” category…
Far-right Rep. Bob Good (R-VA05), of course, is virulently ANTI-labor, ANTI-union, ANTI-worker.
Today, we honor those working every day to keep this nation running. I promise to continue fighting for families, hardworking taxpayers, and small business owners who are too often forgotten by their government. pic.twitter.com/7wCkWhBDvD
— Congressman Bob Good (@RepBobGood) September 6, 2021
Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA06) is also virulently anti-worker and anti-union. Here he is touting so-called “Right-to-Work” laws, more accurately known as “Right-to-Be-Poor” laws (h/t former Rep. Leslie Byrne).
Today as we celebrate the hardworking labor force in the United States, we also celebrate Right-to-Work laws here in Virginia and across the country, which lead to more opportunities and better jobs for workers. https://t.co/1uNcUsxlVV
— Congressman Ben Cline (@RepBenCline) September 6, 2021
From right-wingnut Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA09), shoe gets abysmally low ratings on labor issues…zeroes, single digits, and nothing higher than 36%. Yuck.
On the first Monday of September, Americans observe Labor Day. Today, we honor and celebrate American workers. I wish you a safe and happy Labor Day with family, friends, and community. pic.twitter.com/DoKDydtqNT
— Morgan Griffith (@RepMGriffith) September 6, 2021
Sears’ rating from the Virginia AFL-CIO when she was a delegate was a pathetic 33%. ‘Nuff said.
This Labor Day, we honor all hard workers across the Commonwealth—from our Mom & Pop shops, to our grocery store clerks, to our teachers and front line workers. (1/2)
— Lt. Governor of Virginia – Winsome Earle-Sears (@WinsomeSears) September 6, 2021
Del. Jason Miyares, the VA GOP’s 2021 Attorney General nominee, last received a horrendously bad 8% rating from the Virginia AFL-CIO.
Happy Labor Day, Virginia.
Today, we celebrate the hard work and achievements of Virginia small businesses, first responders, teachers and all our workers.
I had the honor of celebrating Labor Day this morning with hard working Virginians at the annual Buena Vista Parade! pic.twitter.com/4AUhZYQunW
— Jason Miyares (@JasonMiyaresVA) September 6, 2021
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