Biden makes history, becomes 1st president to join striking workers
Biden praised auto workers for their sacrifices during 2008 industry crisis and emphasized important role of middle class and unions in nation building
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden made history Tuesday by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to stand with striking workers.
He joined the United Auto Workers (UAW) outside a General Motors plant in Belleville, Mich.
Biden praised them for their sacrifices during the 2008 auto industry crisis and emphasized the important role of the middle class and unions in nation building.
He indicated he was committed to better wages and working conditions for workers.
The UAW had expanded its strikes to all General Motors and Stellantis distribution centers in the U.S. because of the companies’ negligence in negotiations.
Currently, more than 18,000 auto workers are on strike against leading automakers General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, demanding better wages and benefits.
Recent polling data shows that 62% of likely U.S. voters support the strikes.
Labor historians such as Nelson Lichtenstein of the University of California, Santa Barbara, acknowledged that the participation of a sitting president in such an event is a first.
UAW Chairman Shawn Fain thanked Biden, indicating his confidence in the president’s support for the working class.
Morris Pearl of Patriotic Millionaires acknowledged the importance of Biden’s gesture and called on him to go beyond this symbolic act to take concrete action to support all American workers.
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