Warren and Sanders Lead 2020 Candidates in Backing Workers Demanding Fair Wages, Vowing Not to Cross Picket Line for Debate

As the hospitality workers’ union Unite Here Local 11 said that next week’s Democratic presidential debate could be threatened by stalled contract negotiations for workers at Loyola Marymount University, which is hosting the debate, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders led the Democratic field in announcing they would be on the side of the workers if a deal is not reached in the coming days.

Warren tweeted early Friday afternoon that she would “not cross the union’s picket line even if it means missing the debate,” and Sanders tweeted a similar message shortly after, with a CBS reporter then confirming Sanders was also willing to miss the debate next Thursday in order to support university workers.

After Warren and Sanders announced their support, other presidential candidates—including businessman Andrew Yang, former Vice President Joe Biden, and South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg—also said they would not be crossing the picket line next Thursday.

The debate was originally set to take place at UCLA but was moved to Loyola Marymount (LMU), which is also located in Los Angeles, after unions boycotted the event due to another labor dispute.

Now, Unite Here Local 11 said Friday, “the leading contenders for the Democratic nomination will be greeted with picket lines at their replacement venue.”