WASHINGTON— In her effort to boost support among blue-collar workers, Vice President Kamala Harris is joining President Joe Biden on the campaign trail and addressing a contentious issue regarding one of the country’s major steel companies.

On Labor Day afternoon, Harris is making a trip to Detroit before heading to Pittsburgh, which is the headquarters of the manufacturing firm U.S. Steel.

“We honor unions, as they were instrumental in building America and cultivating the middle class,” Harris stated during a speech in Detroit that featured national labor union leaders.

During her address in Pittsburgh, Harris is expected to argue that U.S. Steel, which has agreed to a takeover by the Japanese firm Nippon Steel Corporation, should be kept under American control. This merger is currently pending approval from U.S. regulators and faces opposition from the United Steelworkers, a union that supports Harris.

In March, Biden expressed his opposition to the $14.9 billion acquisition.

Biden has strong backing from labor unions, which Harris aims to leverage in Allegheny County, a key area for her to boost turnout in Pennsylvania. This is her second visit to Pittsburgh in about two weeks, showcasing how vital her campaign considers western Pennsylvania for a state victory.

Meanwhile, Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is engaging with labor leaders in St. Paul. Walz will also be present at Wisconsin’s Labor Fest in Milwaukee on Monday. Biden plans to visit Wisconsin this week to emphasize his economic agenda.

The states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania are viewed as battlegrounds in the upcoming election, prompting both major parties to actively seek voter support there.

Last week, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance held events across these three states, with Trump now set to return to Mosinee this Saturday.

Neither Trump nor Vance scheduled campaign events for Labor Day, effectively giving the day to Biden and Harris.

In her speech in Detroit, Harris emphasized that the labor movement offers valuable lessons for the nation.

“Amid the chaos aimed at dividing us as a country, we should reflect on the lessons from labor’s rich history and present, recognizing the importance of unity and collective effort,” Harris urged in Detroit.

Harris has actively reached out for support from major national labor unions since Biden’s withdrawal from the race in late July. She secured endorsements from various organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, United Steelworkers, United Auto Workers, and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.

Biden was seen walking alongside UAW picketers in Michigan last fall.

However, one significant endorsement still pending for Harris is from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Teamsters’ president Sean O’Brien spoke at the Republican National Convention and noted that he extended invitations to both main political parties.

O’Brien indicated during a recent appearance on the CBS show “Face the Nation” that the Teamsters require a meeting with Harris before deciding on support. He mentioned that about half of the union’s 1.3 million members are Republicans, with the other half being Democrats.

“We would like a chance to meet with Vice President Harris,” he mentioned. “You don’t hire someone without giving them an interview.”