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Article snippet: MORE heralded labor unions and pushed his administration's protectionist trade agenda in an annual Labor Day proclamation released ahead of the holiday weekend. Trump touted the spirit of the American worker and referred to American workers as the "bulwark of our national prosperity" in the statement released by the White House late Friday. In the proclamation, Trump argued that his recent tariffs on steel and aluminum and battles with the leaders of Canada, Mexico, China and the European Union over trade issues would strengthen the country. "America's workers pay our taxes, support our values, serve in our military, raise our children, protect our Constitution, and build our communities. They deserve, in return, the unwavering fidelity of their Government," Trump wrote in the proclamation. "The deal I intend to sign [with Mexico and possibly Canada] will help create more reciprocal trade that grows our economy. It will also support high-paying jobs for American workers and protect the intellectual property of our Nation's businesses and workers," he added. In a rare message of praise for labor unions from a GOP president, Trump lauded organized labor for "advocating for the interests of the American worker and wage-earner." "We have kept our promise to always keep the White House door open to members and leaders of our country's labor organizations," he added. Trump's protectionist trade policies have been roundly criticized by lawmakers on both sides of the ais... Link to the full article to read more