United States: On Wednesday, with a fiery speech, the United Auto Workers Union’s leader endorsed US President Joe Biden at a legislative conference which was also harshly critical of Republican former President Donald Trump.
“Instead of talking trash about our union, Joe Biden stood with us,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a full-throated endorsement of Biden, citing his establishments and decision to become the first president to join a union picket line.
Criticism of Trump’s Handling of the Auto Industry
Fain criticized Trump, saying he failed to persuade General Motors to keep an assembly plant open in Ohio and his appearance at a non-union hall during last year’s strike, and called him a “scab.”
“Donald Trump stands against everything we stand for as a society,” Fain said.
Democrats Joe Biden has already received endorsements from the majority of the country’s largest labor unions. Though Biden joined the striking workers when they attacked the Detroit Three manufacturers in September, the autoworkers’ permission has taken far longer to come through.
UAW’s efforts to unionize carmakers Tesla (TSLA.O), Toyota (7203.T), and other automakers have been strongly backed by Biden.
The UAW’s support has significant political ramifications due to its sway in Michigan, a crucial contest state for the 2024 presidential election.
Steven Cheug, a Trump campaign spokesperson, said that President Trump is proud of the working men and women; his America First policies protected American jobs from departure or termination.
UAW Celebrates Record Contract and Wage Increases
The UAW set up record contracts, such as the 25 percent raise in base pay with General Motors. Fain has also lauded the Biden administration officials for their role in landing those contracts and providing better wages to the battery plant workers.
Citing worries about the president’s policy on electric vehicles, Fain stated in May that the union was not prepared to support Biden for a second four-year term.