President Joe Biden made history by joining striking auto Workers in Michigan, expressing his support for their demand for a 40% pay raise and asserting that they deserve more. This visit marked the first time a U.S. president has stood with striking workers in modern history.
Importance of Union Support
The back-to-back events featuring Biden and Donald Trump underscore the significance of union support in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, despite unions representing a small fraction of U.S. workers.
Biden’s Show of Solidarity
President Biden visited a General Motors parts distribution center in Belleville, Michigan, to stand with picketers who are demanding better compensation. He emphasized that the auto companies, which once faced financial difficulties, are now thriving, and workers should share in that success.
Biden Supports 40% Pay Raise
Biden endorsed the autoworkers’ call for a 40% pay increase, a figure reflecting CEO pay hikes over four years. He believes workers should have the right to negotiate for this raise.
Impact on Negotiations
Auto industry sources suggest that Biden’s backing of the 40% pay raise could complicate negotiations with the UAW (United Auto Workers). Talks are currently slow-moving as attention is focused on Biden and Trump.
Elon Musk Weighs In
Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his concerns on social media, warning that a 40% pay raise and shorter work hours could lead to financial difficulties for companies. It’s worth noting that Tesla’s factories are not unionized.
Trump’s Upcoming Address
Donald Trump is scheduled to address auto workers at a nonunion manufacturer, Drake Enterprises, in a Detroit suburb. Trump aims to highlight his commitment to blue-collar workers and criticize Biden’s electric vehicle (EV) policies.
Differing Views on EVs
Republicans argue that Biden’s push for EV adoption and tax rebates is unpopular with auto workers. Trump accuses Biden of jeopardizing the auto industry and workers’ jobs with his EV mandate.
Union President’s Perspective
UAW President Shawn Fain welcomed Biden, discussing the union’s concerns about the shift to EVs and presenting him with a UAW baseball cap. While this wasn’t an official endorsement, Fain appreciated Biden’s support.