Dem platform: Unions built ‘greatest middle class world has ever known’

The Democrats’ convention platform endorses a slew of organized labor’s wishes and says unions “helped build the greatest middle class the world has ever known.”

The platform, which was released Monday night, is a clear nod to labor unions. It endorses an increase to the minimum wage and strongly supports other labor laws, such as collective bargaining.

{mosads}The platform commits to issuing and enforcing workplace safety regulations, preventing teacher layoffs and opposing right-to-work policies as well as “paycheck protection” efforts.

Democrats vow to continue to improve the nation’s healthcare system and preserve entitlement programs.

Union officials have had an up-and-down relationship with President Obama. They criticized his trade deals and urged him to pursue a more government-focused revamp of the nation’s healthcare system.

Labor groups were also angry that Democrats selected North Carolina, a right-to-work state, for this year’s convention.

However, the AFL-CIO is backing Obama over Mitt Romney, who has lambasted union leaders and strongly opposes their agenda.