CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois’ delegates to the virtual Democratic National Convention were cheered on by several labor leaders, and a local elected official reminded them that support is a two-way street.
In a labor-oriented online gathering, Illinois' convention delegates heard union leaders like Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Health say they are in the fight of their lives.
"The truth is, the voices of low wage service workers are often, too often ignored; and it is especially true when those workers are black and brown," he said.
Senator Dick Durbin said it is time for elected officials and voters to step up and get people voting.
"We have to step back and say as a party, as a Democratic party, if you believe in the labor movement just don't tap on the men, when you need them the most during an election campaign, but if you believe them, what are you going to do to help them find another day, a new day? That they can move forward," Durbin said.
He said that means supporting the policies, too.
Illinois' AFL-CIO President Tim Drea suggested to delegates that their fates are intertwined.
"Our strength today in Illinois is the thousands of union members and precinct committeemen who turn out the Democratic vote, and we stand with you, we will continue to work with you," he said.
Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter acknowledged four years ago, some workers believed Donald Trump when he suggested he is a hero of the working class. They know better now.
"If the Democratic Party can win back the American worker on November 3, then Joe Biden and Kamal Harris will be our next president and vice president," Reiter said.
But the delegates were cautioned not to believe the polls or take anything for granted.
Special guest Lonnie Stevens, International President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - not so much a guest, since he is from Rock Island, Illinois - explained why he feels good about the Democrats chances of making Donald Trump a one-term president.
"I know under your delegation, you have delegates that maybe supported one of the other candidates along the way, but I think what I am really seeing, feeling this election cycle is the unity of the Democratic Party, and everyone as they eventually dropped out of the party, they immediately endorsed Joe Biden," Stevens said.
This was demonstrated by Bernie Sanders speech Monday night and video appearances of most of the others in the crowded primary field.
The Republican National Convention kicks off next Monday.