On Wednesday, the United Auto Workers endorsed Joe Biden for re-election after months of holding off because of concerns regarding his electric vehicle policies. Union President Shawn Fain lauded Biden for attending a strike line during successful negotiations between UAW and Detroit automakers.
Biden needs the endorsement in order to secure key blue-collar votes in battleground states like Michigan. But Trump remains an formidable foe in that regard.
He’s a scab
“Scab” is an insulting term in organized labor that refers to any individual who crosses over from picket lines during union strikes and assumes their usual work duties without regard for union contracts or picket lines.
In September, Biden made history as the first sitting president to join a United Automobile Workers (UAW) picket line when he visited a General Motors parts warehouse during their six-week strike. He has also advocated for increased production of electric vehicles.
Fain’s message resonated at this week’s United Auto Workers annual convention. His endorsement capped months-long effort to persuade rank-and-file members to vote for Biden over Trump, yet may still face opposition: some members criticized his support of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza while attendees could be heard chanting, “Cease Fire!” However, these protests didn’t halt proceedings of the convention itself.
Biden’s presence at a United Auto Workers
Joe Biden received the United Auto Workers endorsement this week as he attempts to unseat Donald Trump in Michigan, though UAW leader Shawn Fain made clear he would only offer it after considering all available candidates and earning it first.
He noted Biden’s uncanny presence at a United Auto Workers picket line during Detroit’s three major automaker strikes last fall and his support for worker safety as well as infrastructure plans.
On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump highlighted Biden’s views as to ending it and stopping weapons flowing into Hamas hands; but that this was something Trump didn’t support.
president of the UAW
The United Auto Workers union typically endorses Democratic candidates and has traditionally had a strong presence in battleground states like Michigan. Yet its nearly 400,000 members and their families helped Trump win two presidential elections, most recently 2020.
Fain was elected directly by members as president of the UAW following a bribery scandal that led to prison time for two former union leaders and has condemned Republican policies as divisive and dangerous for working people. In September during an automaker strike GM and other automakers staged, Fain invited Biden onto a picket line where Biden spoke out in his defense.
Labor experts agreed it is typical of the United Auto Workers union to announce their endorsement as close to election day as possible; however, UAW delegates attending their convention this week decided in favour of Biden regardless of his support from many rank-and-file union members who supported Trump during 2020 elections.
Shawn Fain lambasted Donald Trump
Biden’s endorsement by the UAW provides him a boost for reelection efforts in key swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin, but isn’t without some controversy.
UAW President Shawn Fain lambasted Donald Trump and his predecessor for visiting non-union plants while striking workers were out, calling their presence “scab.” Additionally, Fain expressed disapproval at Trump visiting non-union facilities while workers were striking.
Kevin Hart, an associate professor of political science at the University of Michigan, says narcissism may lead to adopting worldviews which are opposed to immigrants, making them attractive to voters like Donald Trump. Kevin refers to this phenomenon as the narcissism-reality gap.
Biden may benefit
Biden may benefit from receiving support from the UAW in his battle to win over blue-collar voters in key states like Michigan where its membership is dense. But Trump will compete hard for these votes as Biden continues his attacks against unions that could damage his chances.
Shawn Fain, President of United Auto Workers (UAW), explained their decision to endorse Biden during a conference Wednesday by noting “rarely do you get such a clear choice as we did.” This comes months after Biden broke with convention and became first sitting president to join picket lines during an GM strike last September.
Younger members of the UAW may not support its president due to his support of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza; during a speech at its conference, some young members chanted in favor of an immediate ceasefire in this conflict.
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