President Biden will join the strike line in Detroit on Tuesday in solidarity with members of the United Auto Workers union, he said announced on social media.
Mr Biden likes to describe himself as the most pro-union president, and a visit to striking workers – a highly unusual move for a president – will certainly send a strong message.
“On Tuesday I will be heading to Michigan to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of the UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they have created,” he wrote on X, Formerly Known as Twitter. “It’s time for a win-win agreement that ensures American auto manufacturing thrives with good-paying UAW jobs.”
UAW President Shawn Fain had invited the president to join the picket line. When a reporter asked the president Friday if he would do so, the president turned the question around and asked, “Would you come?”
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Addressing the strike situation last week, the president said the companies involved had made “significant offers” but needed to do more.
“Companies have made some significant offers, but I believe it should go further — to ensure that record corporate profits mean record contracts,” Mr. Biden said.
The strike began after union leaders failed to reach an agreement on a new contract with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. UAW workers are demanding a four-day, 32-hour week for the pay of a five-day, 40-hour week and significant wage increases. They also want more paid vacation and retirement benefits instead of 401K savings plans, among other things.
The UAW announced Friday that it is expanding its strike to include 38 General Motors and Stellantis parts distribution centers in 20 states. However, Ford was notably not included in the extension of the strike, as both sides had engaged in positive contract negotiations in recent days.
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