Biden's a Friend of Workers, Says His Former UPS Driver
September 19, 2008
Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden is a pro-labor guy, says John Ryan, President of Local 326 in New Castle, Delaware.
And Ryan ought to know. He knows Biden personally. Prior to becoming president of his local, Ryan was Biden's UPS driver. The two have been friends for more than 30 years.
They recently reconnected after a political rally in Delaware. "As soon as he finished his speech, Joe came down from the stage and asked me how I'm doing," Ryan said. "The thing about Delaware is it's so small. Everyone knows everyone. I've been praying that he becomes vice president. He's so pro-labor."
Following the lead of General President Jim Hoffa, Ryan has been encouraging all members of his local to get involved this political season, including registering to vote and getting to the polls.
"The future of the American worker is at stake," he says. Whether it's the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for workers to form unions, tax breaks that put working families and job creation first, affordable health care, affordable energy, or watching out for the middle class as Washington bails out Wall Street, there are many important issues that will have an impact on unions, members and families this November.
Ryan believes that Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama, and his old friend Joe, are the two candidates who will take the side of average Americans. That's not because of all the rhetoric tossed around this election year, but because he knows Joe.
"Joe Biden is a down-to-earth, great guy who's always willing to lend a hand. He's very involved and very labor-friendly," Ryan said.
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