President Joe Biden will join the United Auto Workers picket line Tuesday in his most powerful display of enhance but for union individuals striking in opposition to General Motors, Ford and Stellantis.
Biden introduced Friday on X that he would shuttle to Wayne County, Michigan, “to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create.”
It’s a move some mavens are calling it sounds as if unheard of in fashionable political historical past, one thing the White House has been fast to tout.
“He supports the UAW workers and tomorrow what you’re going to see is historic,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre instructed journalists Monday, even supposing she declined to give additional main points on the place precisely Biden will probably be, precisely what he will do and what the go back and forth will entail. “This is going to be a historic visit.”
At the similar time, Jean-Pierre used to be peppered with reporter questions on whether or not the president is formally siding with the striking employees’ calls for via becoming a member of the picket line, and the way his look is in keeping with the White House declare he is not getting concerned in the negotiations.
“He is standing with the workers,” she mentioned. “We are not involved in negotiations. That is something for them to decide what is going to work for the parties that are involved, but he is standing with the autoworkers.”
Biden’s look will come someday prior to former President Donald Trump arrives in Michigan — a 2024 battleground — to marketing campaign in lieu of taking part in the second one Republican number one debate Wednesday night time. Trump introduced previous this month he would give a speech to present and previous union employees. Jason Miller, Trump’s senior adviser, criticized Biden’s upcoming go back and forth as a “cheap photo op” and response to Trump’s plans.
The White House mentioned Monday Trump’s time table did not issue into Biden’s resolution to settle for a call for participation from UAW president Shawn Fain to join individuals on the picket line.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the contract negotiations between the United Auto Workers and auto corporations in the Roosevelt Room on the White House, Sept. 15, 2023.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
UAW introduced its strike in opposition to the “Big 3” U.S. automakers on Sept. 15 after failing to achieve a freelance settlement. The union, which is engaging in a “stand-up” strike, not too long ago expanded its stroll outs with 38 new places focused on Stellantis and GM.
Key some of the union calls for are a 36% pay build up over 4 years and a 32-hour paintings week.
But Jean-Pierre throughout Monday’s briefing again and again declined to say if Biden, who touts himself as essentially the most pro-union president, supported the ones explicit requests when requested via ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang.
“I’m not gonna get into the details of what’s being negotiated right now on the table with certainly with the parties,” Jean-Pierre answered. “What we’re saying is that we support the autoworkers,” including at one level that he “stands by the side of the workers.”
Biden has mentioned he believes union employees deserve their “fair share” of the report profits of the firms, he is added that it is time for a “win-win agreement” between the union and automakers.
ABC’s Selina Wang additionally pressed President Biden on whether or not he helps the UAW calls for later Monday afternoon.
“I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under. They gave up everything from their pensions on, and they saved the automobile industry,” Biden answered.
“And I feel that now that the business is roaring again, they will have to — they will have to take part in the good thing about that,” Biden continued. “And in the event you check out the numerous build up in salaries for the executives and enlargement for the business, they will have to have the benefit of it. So sure, I enhance — I all the time enhance the UAW.”
United Auto Workers members march through downtown Detroit, Mich., on Sept. 15, 2023. The UAW is conducting a strike against Ford, Stellantis and General Motors.
Paul Sancya/AP
The move is not without political risk for Biden as he runs for reelection.
He originally tapped two top officials — acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and senior adviser Gene Sperling — to offer their support to both parties in reaching agreement. Biden’s announcement last Friday that he would join the picket line came hours after UAW’s Fain publicly extended an invitation.
“We invite and inspire everybody who helps our reason to join us on the picket line from our pals and households all of the approach up to the president of the United States,” Fain said in a video. “We invite you to join us in our battle.”
United Auto Workers members attend a rally in Detroit, Mich., on Sept. 15, 2023. The UAW is conducting a strike against Ford, Stellantis and General Motors.
Paul Sancya/AP
ABC’s “This Week” co-host Martha Raddatz asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg whether Biden joining the picket line is a “excellent concept.”
“That’s the place he stands,” Buttigieg responded. “He’s a pro-worker president. He is an unapologetically pro-union president. And, , no longer simply in distinction to the anti-union insurance policies of the Trump management, however in point of fact with admire to presidents of each events over the past part century. He’s pleased with the truth that he’s essentially the most pro-union and pro-worker amongst them. And, via the best way, getting this proper.”
Buttigieg also said he believed the companies and auto sector will “get advantages in the longer term” from the deal.
Asked if Biden had spoken recently with the three auto companies, Jean-Pierre said she had no calls to read out to reporters.
-ABC’s Molly Nagle contributed to this document.
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