Union Members Were Paid To Show Up At Rally For Vulnerable Dem Rep, Text Message Reveals

A union had to pay its members to show up for a Sept. 7 rally supporting highly vulnerable Democratic Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild, a text message obtained by the Washington Free Beacon shows.

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers offered members of its union $100 to attend a “labor rally/canvass launch” in support of Wild, the Free Beacon reported. The Pennsylvania Democrat, representing the area surrounding Allentown, faces one a tight reelection bid, with the Cook Political Report, a non-partisan election analysis organization, classifying her race as a toss-up.

“Wear your Union Colors and there will be a $100 stipend for those that would like to participate,” the message obtained by the Free Beacon read.

While it’s unclear if Wild knew people were paid to attend her rally, she didn’t hesitate to promote the event on social media.

“What a great way to kick off the morning!” she wrote on X following the rally. “THANK YOU to all the labor leaders, union members & volunteers who showed up today to talk about the stakes for working people in this election—and then went to knock some doors!”

The AFL-CIO, which oversees the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, also promoted the event.

“Right after Labor Day, join Team Wild as labor unions across the state announce their public endorsement of Susan Wild for Congress in PA-07,” an