First American President to Take This Step... Biden Joins Auto Workers' Strike

 

In a scene described as "historic" by the White House, President Joe Biden expressed his support for unprecedented social demands during a solidarity rally with striking auto industry workers in Michigan. Using a megaphone, Biden addressed members of the United Auto Workers union while wearing the organization's cap, reminding them of the "sacrifices" they made to "save the industry" during the 2008 crisis.

The American President stated that the workers deserve a "significant rise" in their wages. Biden is the first sitting U.S. President to visit a strike site.

This presidential support comes amid an ongoing social conflict between the United Auto Workers union and the three major companies in the sector: General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. It highlights the close relationship that Biden has built with labor unions throughout his political career.

The significance of Michigan as a state cannot be understated, as the Democratic President aims to secure a second term in the 2024 elections, potentially facing his previous rival, former President Donald Trump.

Michigan is at the center of an unprecedented strike affecting the three major companies in the United States auto industry.

"Very Proud"

Before Biden's arrival, dozens of striking workers were protesting in front of a Ford factory in Wayne, holding signs calling for "saving the American dream" and lighting a fire near their tent.

Patrick Smoller, a participant in the strike, said in a statement to AFP, "It's a huge event, a massive show of support for the cause we've been fighting for. It makes me very proud."

After meeting with protesters at the Ford factory, Biden met with striking workers at a General Motors plant in Belleville, where workers were waiting for him. Christy Comitzky, 44, who had spent nine years working at the plant, said, "I hope his visit and support work in our favor. This shows the companies that we have the President's support, and with a little luck, they will quickly accept an agreement."

Curtis Cranford, a 66-year-old self-proclaimed Republican voter, emphasized the importance of Biden taking a public stance and expressing support for their cause. He said, "Biden taking a public stand and declaring his support for our issue is extremely important."

With his solidarity visits on Tuesday, Biden aims to steal the spotlight from his Republican rival, who plans to visit the same state on Wednesday to court workers upon whom his hopes of regaining the White House rest.

This historic strike has become a focal point of a political battle.

Trump, who announced his trip before Biden's similar move, accused the Democratic President of imitation. His spokesperson, Jason Miller, described Joe Biden's visit as nothing more than a "bad photo-op."

Supporter of Labor Unions

For Biden, the challenge is to prove that he is the President of the working class, a staunch advocate of labor unions, and the engineer of the industrial revitalization of the United States.

However, the octogenarian leader, whose popularity has been waning according to polls, faces a field filled with potential landmines, as the ongoing labor movement could be highly detrimental to the U.S. economy.

The strike at the General Motors and Stellantis auto companies has escalated due to a lack of progress in labor negotiations, unlike Ford, where "real progress" has been made. Biden has repeatedly emphasized the need for manufacturers to distribute their "record profits" to their employees.

In response to questions about whether the President is taking sides in the social conflict, the White House spokesperson avoided giving a direct answer and emphasized that Joe Biden wants to reach an agreement that "considers the interests of both sides." She added, "We do not interfere in negotiations."

"He Wants to Take Your Jobs"

Joe Biden's support for unions has been a defining characteristic of his presidency and played a role in his successful 2020 campaign in Michigan, a state that voted for Donald Trump in 2016.

However, Biden's government policies are a significant factor behind the historical disruptions in the auto industry, as they push for more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Donald Trump, speaking on the "Truth Social" platform, commented, "When he (Biden) slowly walks to pretend he's in a rally, remember that he wants to take your jobs and send them to China."

The subsidies earmarked for electric vehicles in Biden's ambitious climate plan are limited to cars manufactured in the United States.

The Republican's hopes of returning to the White House largely hinge on winning the support of workers, whose votes he secured in crucial states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in 2016.