Chiaradio Speaks at AFL-CIO Convention in Biloxi

Biloxi, MS — Democratic congressional nominee Michael A. Chiaradio attended the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Mississippi AFL-CIO in Biloxi last week, joining union leaders, delegates, and community partners from across the state.

The convention, themed “Honoring Our Past, Organizing Our Future,” brought together labor advocates to discuss the challenges facing working people and the path forward for strengthening economic opportunity in Mississippi.

During his remarks, Chiaradio emphasized that labor is facing significant pressure in the current economic environment and stressed the need for strong allies in Washington.

He outlined three core priorities for supporting working people:

First, wages. Chiaradio argued that the goal should go beyond a basic living wage, and instead focus on creating conditions where workers can build savings and long-term financial stability.

Second, worker protections. He noted that what are often called “benefits” should be understood as essential protections, and called for stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure those protections are consistently available and enforced.

Third, ownership. Chiaradio highlighted the need for working people to have a greater stake in the productive capacity of the economy. He described this as an under-discussed but critical component of long-term economic stability and upward mobility.

Following his remarks, Chiaradio engaged in extended conversations with attendees about practical approaches to expanding ownership opportunities. These included encouraging employee ownership models through targeted tax incentives, exploring mechanisms for companies to pay a limited amount of their tax obligations in equity securities, and integrating ownership participation into federal policy frameworks, including through incentives tied to mergers, acquisitions, and subsidies, with the goal of gradually expanding access to capital without relying on broad-based wealth taxes.

The discussion reflected a broader approach focused on expanding participation in the economy and addressing wealth concentration through structural inclusion rather than solely through taxation.

Chiaradio expressed his appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to engage directly with labor leaders across Mississippi.

The campaign continues to engage with communities and organizations across Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District as it builds momentum heading into the 2026 election.

To support Michael A. Chiaradio’s campaign for Congress, please visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/michael-a-chiaradio