Harris vs. Trump: Divergent Economic Plans and Workers’ Rights

Harris pledges to enhance workers' rights and increase support for the working class, while Trump plans tariffs and cuts.
Harris has vowed to strengthen workers’ rights, expand financial support for the working class, boost opportunities for non-college graduates, and raise the minimum wage. Trump, meanwhile, has promised to implement tariffs on imports and repeal federal investments in clean energy, both of which would likely lead to job losses. (Graphic by Francesca Daly)

Article Summary –

With the election nearing, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present diverging economic strategies. Harris aims to enhance workers’ rights, increase the minimum wage, and expand opportunities for non-college graduates. Trump proposes tariffs and repealing clean energy investments, potentially reducing jobs.


Harris has pledged to bolster workers’ rights, enhance financial aid for the working class, offer more opportunities for non-college graduates, and raise the minimum wage. Trump has promised tariffs on imports and repealing clean energy investments, likely causing job losses.

As Election Day approaches, voters emphasize that the vital issue in this presidential election is economic stability and financial security.

Candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer vastly different approaches to economic issues like child care, groceries, and housing, along with differing tax policies and support for small businesses.

It is crucial to examine their plans for American workers. 

Harris pledges to protect and extend workers’ rights

Harris promises to protect workers’ rights, praising union members for standards like the five-day work week, sick leave, and paid family leave.

She supports the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, empowering workers to organize and collectively bargain, supported by major unions like AFL-CIO.

Harris proposes expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, increasing the maximum credit for childless workers from $632 to $1,500. 

She also aims to create opportunities by removing unnecessary degree requirements for half a million federal jobs.

Advocating for lower-education workers to gain skills through community colleges, military experience, and apprenticeships, Harris supports affordable child care and strong public education to aid workers’ focus on jobs.

Additionally, she plans to raise the minimum wage and eliminate taxes on tips for service workers.

Trump’s proposed anti-worker policies

Trump claims to “protect” workers by imposing tariffs, reshoring jobs, deporting immigrants, and repealing clean energy laws. Yet, his 20% tariff on imports and 60% tariff on Chinese goods might harm jobs. 

Morgan Stanley economists predict these tariffs could curtail US monthly job creation by 70,000.

Brooking Institution states tariffs would affect firms importing goods and inputs, leading to lower production, job losses, and price hikes.

Trump pushes a four-year reshoring plan to reduce US reliance on China, banning companies that outsource jobs from federal business.

Despite these promises, Trump’s 2017 tax bill encouraged job offshoring, resulting in 200,000 offshored jobs.

Trump’s “merit-based” immigration plan, with scant detail, could harm industries reliant on migrant workers, like agriculture.

Trump vows to repeal clean energy investments, risking job losses accrued under current administration laws like the Inflation Reduction Act.

Auto Workers President Shawn Fain warns that a Trump presidency threatens auto factories and supply chains, seeing Trump as disconnected from working-class concerns.

Trump’s first-term worker policies

Trump’s first-term record highlights anti-worker policies and lack of worker protection during the pandemic.

His administration restricted overtime pay for millions, opposed raising the minimum wage, and made union representation more difficult.

Project 2025 plans suggest further eroding collective bargaining rights and questioning public-sector unions’ appropriateness.


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