UAW Endorses Biden, Union President Sean Fain Calls Trump ‘A Scab’

President Joe Biden has earned the endorsement of the United Auto Workers union for reelection this year. The traditionally Democratic-leaning union went on strike in September 2023, and union President Shawn Fain saw the strike as a “time for politicians in this country to pick a side.”

Fain’s message reached all the way to the White House, and soon Biden made history by becoming the first sitting president to join a picket line.

On September 26, Biden appeared at a striking General Motors redistribution plant and addressed workers, encouraging them to continue their fight against the big automotive manufacturers.

“Stick with it. You deserve a significant raise, and other benefits,” Biden told the workers.

The UAW was fighting for a 40% raise, quicker paths to top pay, a return to standard pensions and better family and vacation leave, after seeing auto companies attaining record profits. These goals were mostly achieved when the two sides agreed in October 2023 after six weeks of striking.

Biden applauded the deal, saying, “These record agreements reward autoworkers who gave up so much to keep the industry going during the financial crisis more than a decade ago. These agreements ensure that the Big Three can still lead the world in quality and innovation.”

Now, months after the strikes have ended, comes the union’s endorsement. At the UAW biannual conference on Wednesday, Fain announced the union’s support for the sitting president. “If our endorsement has to be earned, Joe Biden has earned it,” said Fain.

Fain also took aim at Biden’s opponent in the general election, Donald Trump, with some harsh words. “Donald Trump is a Scab. Donald Trump is a billionaire, and that’s who he represents,” Fain said. “If Donald Trump ever worked in an auto plant, he wouldn’t be a UAW member, he’d be a company man trying to squeeze the American worker.”

While Biden was visiting the picket line during the strikes, Trump visited and gave a speech at a non-union plant, where he touted his nationalistic plans. Trump has a strong hold in the blue-collar sector of the electorate, garnering more support from unions than former Republican presidents.

One in four UAW members are likely to vote for Trump based on surveys.

Article by Clark Franzman