Sanders Praises Carrier Union Leader for Standing Up to Trump

By Jennifer Calfas, The Hill

09 December 16

en. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called the president of a local union representing Carrier workers Thursday to congratulate him on becoming “the most famous labor leader in America,” CBS News reported.

Sanders told Chuck Jones he will keep President-elect Donald Trump accountable in keeping Carrier manufacturing jobs in the U.S.

“We are going to remind Mr. Trump of what he said,” Sanders said. “But, believe me, we are going to do everything we can to make sure he follows through on the promises he made to the people of Indiana and to the people in America.”

Trump had promised to save the jobs of 1,350 workers at a Carrier plant in Indiana, which were originally planned to be moved to Mexico. In a Dec. 1 meeting, Trump said 550 of the jobs would be saved.

Earlier this week, Jones said Trump "lied his ass off" about the deal. Trump retaliated with a tweet:

“Well you know, if I did something to piss off President-elect Trump, so be it,” Jones told Sanders.

Sanders called Jones and Carrier employees a "symbol of outsourcing in America."

“The world has focused on you guys and we’ve got to be effective in fighting back," Sanders said.

Jones thanked Sanders for the call and his support.

“You know, we didn’t pick the fight. We’re in the fight, and we’re going to keep on fighting all the way [for] all these jobs leaving the country, and it’s gotta stop.”