In a bid to support unions and worker benefits, Democratic President Joe Biden signed a pro-labor executive order during his visit to Michigan on Friday. The order, known as the "Good Jobs" order, aims to prioritize new labor standards and projects that provide benefits such as childcare, health insurance, and paid leave.

During the signing ceremony at United Association Local 190's Job Training Center for pipefitters and plumbers in Scio Township, Biden described the order as "groundbreaking." He emphasized that any future president who disagrees with the policy would have to openly repeal it, challenging them to do so.

The executive order directs federal agencies to prioritize projects that promote voluntary union recognition and agreements facilitating collective bargaining. It also encourages the inclusion of specific high-wage standards for manufacturing grants. The ultimate goal is to incentivize pro-labor union policies as much as possible.

The implications of this executive order are significant for workers' rights and unions. While labor leaders who attended the event highlighted the importance of Biden's focus on these issues, the specific details of the order were not immediately clear. However, the order marks the strongest package of priorities aimed at promoting the choice to join a union through federally funded projects.

One notable aspect of the order is its emphasis on prevailing wage standards, which ensure fair pay for workers based on regional requirements. The inclusion of prevailing wages as an example of a policy to be considered was well-received by labor representatives. According to Mike Barnwell, president of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, hearing a president promote prevailing wages is a breath of fresh air.

The new order also supports workforce development by emphasizing registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and labor-management partnerships. The aim is to expand worker access to high-quality training and portable credentials that lead to good jobs. This aspect of the order has received positive feedback, particularly from Colleen Sullivan, deputy director of the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute, who believes it will help lift more people out of poverty and create quality careers in manufacturing.

President Biden's visit to Michigan comes at a critical time, with the economy becoming a focal point in the presidential race between Biden's Democratic running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Republican candidate Donald Trump. The executive order serves as a counter to the previous administration's approach to workers' rights, with Biden vowing to prioritize workers over company interests.

As the election draws near, President Biden's executive order emphasizes his commitment to promoting unions, worker benefits, and fair wages. Its impact on the economy and workforce remains to be seen, but the order signals a shift in priorities towards bolstering workers' rights and ensuring the availability of good jobs.

This visit to Michigan marks President Biden's first since endorsing Kamala Harris as his Democratic running mate. Recent polls suggest a tight race in Michigan, with Trump holding a slight lead over Harris. However, with the strides made by President Biden's administration in areas such as solar energy, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, labor unions see significant opportunities for growth and job creation.

Overall, the executive order signed by President Biden reinforces his commitment to promoting unions, worker benefits, and fair wages. It sets the stage for future policies that prioritize the well-being of workers and their families.