Dem platform: Unions built ‘greatest middle class world has ever known’

The Democrats’ convention platform endorses a slew of organized labor’s wishes and says unions “helped build the greatest middle class the world has ever known.”

The platform, which was released Monday night, is a clear nod to labor unions. It endorses an increase to the minimum wage and strongly supports other labor laws, such as collective bargaining.

The platform commits to issuing and enforcing workplace safety regulations, preventing teacher layoffs and opposing right-to-work policies as well as “paycheck protection” efforts.

Democrats vow to continue to improve the nation’s healthcare system and preserve entitlement programs.

Union officials have had an up-and-down relationship with President Obama. They criticized his trade deals and urged him to pursue a more government-focused revamp of the nation's healthcare system.

Labor groups were also angry that Democrats selected North Carolina, a right-to-work state, for this year's convention.

However, the AFL-CIO is backing Obama over Mitt Romney, who has lambasted union leaders and strongly opposes their agenda.