Biden Urges UAW and Detroit Automakers to Achieve an Equitable Agreement

In an effort to encourage a fair agreement, President Biden urged the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Big Three U.S. automakers to come together for successful contract negotiations. With the contract set to expire in one month, Biden emphasized the importance of collaboration in his statement, stating, “I’m asking all sides to work together to forge a fair agreement.”

The UAW’s worker contracts are set to expire in September, and the UAW has warned Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) that it is willing to strike if negotiations do not address issues such as cost-of-living pay raises and pensions.

While the UAW has withheld its endorsement of Biden’s reelection due to concerns about the White House’s focus on electric vehicles (EVs), Biden reiterated his support for a fair transition to a clean energy future. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Big Three auto jobs are sustainable and supportive of families. Additionally, he advocated for honoring the right to organize, avoiding plant closings, and providing fair transitions, retooling, and rehiring opportunities in the same factories and communities at comparable wages.

Biden sees the transition to a clean energy economy as an opportunity for both auto companies and unionized workers. He believes that this shift should not jeopardize the middle class and that the UAW deserves a contract that sustains their status.

When questioned about concerns regarding a worker stoppage if negotiations fail, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed Biden’s belief in collective bargaining and pointed to successful negotiations between the Teamsters and UPS as a positive example. She stated, “We’re just going to have to be hopeful and be positive that they will come to an agreement.”

In July, Biden met with UAW President Shawn Fain to discuss contract negotiations. The union had requested an opportunity to brief White House senior staff on their analysis and positions related to the negotiations with the automakers.

Back in May, when the UAW announced its endorsement withdrawal, Fain emphasized the need for a “just transition” to EVs that includes protection for auto industry workers. He highlighted the use of taxpayer money in building the electric vehicle industry.

Historically, the UAW has backed Democrats and supported Biden in the 2020 election. Fain clarified that the union will not support former President Trump.

Updated at 2:51 pm.