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Joe Biden will demonstrate his support for striking car workers by joining them on a picket line in Michigan on Tuesday, ahead of Donald Trump’s visit to the state later this week. This political battle for blue collar support in industrial America is heating up as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Biden’s decision is notable because previous presidents have rarely sided with workers in labor disputes. He has positioned himself as the most union-friendly US president in decades, earning credit from the left of the Democratic party.
Biden’s visit to Michigan also reflects the challenging reality that he has not secured the support of rustbelt voters ahead of the election, despite implementing policies aimed at bolstering industrial America through substantial manufacturing subsidies.
Pressure on Biden to visit Michigan had been mounting after Shawn Fain, the leader of the United Auto Workers (UAW), invited him to join the striking workers. However, Trump preempted Biden’s visit by announcing his own rally in Clinton Township, north of Detroit. Michigan supported Trump in 2016, but voted for Biden in 2020.
Despite Trump’s plans, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden’s decision to visit Michigan was not in response to Trump’s event, but rather a demonstration of the president’s support for the UAW and workers. Jean-Pierre emphasized Biden’s pro-UAW and pro-worker stance, stating that he believes in finding win-win agreements for all parties involved.
The UAW represents around 400,000 members, with a significant portion working for the so-called Big Three automakers: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.
The union has been on strike for 11 days, with the number of striking facilities expanding recently. Only Stellantis and GM facilities were targeted in the expansion, with progress made at the bargaining table with Ford.
The UAW is demanding a 36% pay increase over four years, a shorter work week, and equal pay for all workers. Although the White House has not supported these demands explicitly, it has stated that any UAW contract should reflect the profits earned by car companies.
Biden highlighted the importance of the UAW’s contributions in saving the automobile industry during its downturn, and now believes that the industry’s success should be shared with its workers.
According to a recent Morning Consult poll, 54% of US adults support the strike, compared to 51% before it began.
While Biden has received an early endorsement from the AFL-CIO, the largest trade union federation in the US, which includes the UAW, the auto workers union has not explicitly provided its support.
Labour historian Dana Frank noted the significance of Biden’s intervention in this particular dispute, considering his neutral stance during previous strikes. Frank believes that Biden’s hand is being forced by Trump’s ability to appeal to white, working-class men in the Midwest.
Prior to his visit to Michigan, Trump released an ad expressing his support for US autoworkers. However, in a social media post, he warned that the UAW would be in trouble if they didn’t endorse him.
Democrats argue that Trump’s record, including policies that weakened collective bargaining rights, undermines his claims of support for workers.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized Trump’s upcoming visit to Michigan, stating that his promises did not align with his actions while in office.
Republicans have also voiced their concerns about Biden’s support for the energy transition and encouragement of electric vehicle manufacturing. However, their opinions on the UAW specifically vary, with some congressional Republicans supporting the union while criticizing the companies.
Additional reporting by Lauren Fedor
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