U.A.W. Strike: A Crucial Examination of Biden’s Economic Agenda Unfolding in Real-Time

Rarely does a president’s political identity collide in one place as it does now.

The walkout by the United Auto Workers on Friday is a crucial test of President Biden’s economic agenda. It encompasses his call for higher wages for the middle class, his unapologetic support for unions, and his commitment to an electric vehicle future for car companies, with Michigan at the forefront. Winning Michigan in 2024 is crucial for Biden’s political survival.

A targeted strike by some members of the 150,000-member union seeks to disrupt one of America’s oldest industries at a time when President Biden is emphasizing the differences between “Bidenomics” and a Republican plan that he views as a worse version of trickle-down economics benefiting only the wealthy.

On Thursday, just hours before the strike decision, President Biden proclaimed, “Their plan – MAGAnomics – is more extreme than anything America has ever seen before.”

Within the White House, aides believe that the outcome of this battle between car companies and their workers will highlight many of the president’s arguments about the importance of reducing income inequality, empowering employees, and the financial success that allows companies like automakers to afford higher wages.

Eddie Vale, a longtime Democratic strategist with AFL-CIO experience, described the situation, saying, “You’ve got rebuilding the middle class and building things again here. You’ve got green energy, technology, and jobs. You’ve got important states for the election. So all of these are sort of swirling together in one place.”

However, comes with risks, both policy-related and political. Nevertheless, Mr. Vale believes that President Biden can serve as an honest broker in the end.

These risks were already evident on Friday morning when the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce blamed President Biden for the strike in a scathing statement. Suzanne P. Clark, president of the nation’s largest business lobbying group, stated, “The U.A.W. strike and indeed the ‘summer of strikes’ is the natural result of the Biden administration’s ‘whole of government’ approach to promoting unionization at all costs.” She predicts severe negative consequences for the economy as a result of the strike.

Unlike previous strikes involving rail workers or air traffic controllers, President Biden lacks special legal authority to intervene. He is not entirely in control, but neither is he merely an observer.

Just before the strike vote, President Biden spoke with Shawn Fain, the U.A.W. president, as well as top executives of the car companies. The president urged all parties to ensure workers receive a fair contract and encouraged them to continue negotiating.

However, negotiations did not proceed as hoped. Economists warn that a lengthy strike, lasting weeks or even months, could negatively impact the American economy, particularly in the heartland.

How President Biden navigates this situation will significantly influence his chances of re-election. According to a recent CNN poll, only 39 percent of people approve of his presidential performance, and 58 percent believe his policies have worsened economic conditions in the United States.

The fact that this strike is centered in Michigan adds to its significance. President Biden narrowly won the state over former President Donald J. Trump, cementing his victory with Michigan’s 16 electoral votes.

Nevertheless, the President remains steadfast in his support for both unions and the environment. In a Labor Day speech in Philadelphia, he emphasized his vision for a “transition to an electric vehicle future made in America” that would protect jobs, along with his unwavering belief in unions. He proudly declared, “I’m proud to be the most pro-union president.”