US President Joe Biden visited United Auto Workers (UAW) union members on the picket line in Michigan on Tuesday, September 26, showing support for the striking employees.
After 12 days of strike action, the president encouraged employees to "stick with it," arguing that they are entitled to a significant pay hike and other incentives for their efforts, as reported by CBS News.
While making short comments at a General Motors (GM) distribution site outside Detroit, the president told UAW members, "The fact of the matter is that you guys, the UAW, you saved the auto industry back in 2008 and before. Made a lot of sacrifices. Gave up a lot, and companies were in trouble. But now they're doing incredibly well. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too."
Biden Admin's Stance on UAW Strikes
According to CBS News, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has been clear that the government would not enter discussions and has refused to declare whether or not the White House backs the latest proposal made by the UAW.
And while it was initially planned that interim Labor Secretary Julie Su and senior White House advisor Gene Sperling would go to assist with negotiations, the Biden administration opted last week to keep the two in Washington. Jean-Pierre noted that Su and Sperling have constantly communicated with everyone involved during the last several weeks.
Last week, after former President Donald Trump revealed his trip to Detroit on Wednesday, September 27, and his decision to miss the Republican presidential debate in California on the same day, Biden indicated he would join the picket line. Trump has claimed that Biden's visit only happened because of Trump's commitment.
Trump said in a statement, "Crooked Joe should be ashamed to show his face before these hardworking Americans he is stabbing in the back. With Biden, it doesn't matter what hourly wages they get, in three years there will be no autoworker jobs as they will all come out of China and other countries."
Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre said Biden's attendance in the strike was meant to convey a message that the present government supports the auto workers.
Demand for Improved Pay and Working Conditions
Since beginning their strike against the major automakers on September 15, UAW members have targeted 20 more states and the distribution hubs of GM and Chrysler's parent company, Stellantis. The UAW has almost 150,000 members, but only around 20% are on strike at any time.
The UAW has asked for a 36% salary raise, yearly cost of living increases, pensions, and a four-day work week.
Biden, who calls himself the most pro-union president, pointed out that auto companies had made big offers but must do more to guarantee record corporate earnings imply record contracts. The president has said workers should get a reasonable portion of the profits they help generate for their company.
