Clinton on Union Support: I Expect to Get More Endorsements

Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton said Friday that unions needed to come together to "fight back against the concerted effort by Republicans" to stop unionizing efforts and collective bargaining.

"I am a strong advocate for organized labor, for union membership, and for doing what we need to do to fight back against the concerted effort by the Republicans and their allies to undermine and shut down union organization and bargaining," Clinton told reporters in Puerto Rico. "That's a real mistake.

"There's a direct correlation between the union activity for workers who can bargain for higher wages and better working conditions and the growth and stability of the middle class," she said.

Clinton, who was endorsed in July by the American Federation of Teachers, said that she was "looking for additional endorsements as we go forward.

"Labor Day is kind of a pivot for all kinds of political actions during a campaign year," she added. "I think there will be a number of other unions that will be endorsing, but they have to make those decisions. Whatever timetable they pursue."

The former secretary of state cited her support of organized labor during her two terms in the U.S. senator as a strong reason for why she expected to get more endorsements.

"With respect to local and national support, I feel very energized by the local support I have. A lot of people are talking to those unions and members I represented when I was a senator for eight years in New York.

"I think I have a very strong record," Clinton added. "I'm not taking anything for granted.
"I'm going to work hard to win as much support as I possibly can."

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