Firefighter union throws its support behind Biden

“Joe’s a lot like our firefighters. He’s a problem solver who cares deeply about America and committed to making our country better. He’s one of the staunchest advocates for working families,” Schaitberger said.

“Joe Biden proves civility and decency will enhance the political discourse that our country needs right now,” Schaitberger said. “The endorsement of the IAFF was approved because Joe Biden will be a champion for the public safety of Americans.”

Trump responded to Monday’s announcement by criticizing the union over Twitter and claiming that despite the endorsement, its members actually want him to be president.

“I’ll never get the support of Dues Crazy union leadership, those people who rip-off their membership with ridiculously high dues, medical and other expenses while being paid a fortune. But the members love Trump. They look at our record economy, tax & reg cuts, military etc. WIN!” Trump said.

“The Dues Sucking firefighters leadership will always support Democrats, even though the membership wants me. Some things never change!” Trump later added.

In a tit-for-tat, Biden later responded to Trump’s tweets about the union by taking to Twitter himself to defend labor unions. Biden tweeted: “I’m sick of this President badmouthing unions. Labor built the middle class in this country. Minimum wage, overtime pay, the 40-hour week: they exist for all of us because unions fought for those rights. We need a President who honors them and their work.”

The International Association of Fire Fighters is one of the largest labor unions in the country and has a membership of more than 300,000.