President Joe Biden showed his support for United Auto Workers (UAW) members on Tuesday by joining them on the picket line outside Detroit. In a passionate speech, Biden recognized the UAW’s past sacrifices in saving the auto industry and called for fair treatment for workers.
President Joe Biden speaks next to Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, as he joins striking members of the union on the picket line outside GM’s Willow Run Distribution Center in Bellville, Michigan, Sept. 26, 2023.
Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters
Biden’s visit took place at the invitation of UAW President Shawn Fain and focused on the strike at the General Motors Redistribution Center. This facility is one of 38 parts and distribution centers currently on strike across 20 states.
It is worth noting that former President Donald Trump canceled his participation in the second Republican presidential debate to rally with workers at an auto supplier nearby. However, these workers are not represented by the UAW, and Fain has expressed criticism of Trump’s visit.
In his speech after Biden’s, Fain expressed gratitude for the president’s support, acknowledging that a sitting president joining a picket line is a historic moment. He also highlighted the need for CEOs to prioritize the working class.
President Joe Biden greets people on the United Auto Workers picket line outside GM’s Willow Run Distribution Center, in Bellville, Michigan, Sept. 26, 2023.
Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters
Fain’s words emphasized that this day belonged to the auto workers and the working class. He thanked President Biden for his visit and expressed confidence in his commitment to supporting the working class.
However, it is important to note that the UAW strike places Biden in a challenging political position. Despite positioning himself as the most pro-union president in American history, the UAW’s demands are, in part, a response to Biden’s electric vehicle policies, which the union believes may lead to job losses.
The demands of the autoworkers include a 40% hourly pay increase, a reduced 32-hour workweek, a return to traditional pensions, the elimination of compensation tiers, reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments, and improvements in retiree, vacation, and family leave benefits.
U.S. President Joe Biden joins striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) on the picket line outside the GM’s Willow Run Distribution Center, in Bellville, Wayne County, Michigan, U.S., September 26, 2023.
Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters
The UAW, representing 146,000 workers at General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (Chrysler’s parent company), has historically supported Democratic candidates. However, it’s worth noting that the union has not yet endorsed Biden for reelection, and Fain has openly opposed Trump’s policies.
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