President Biden to Join Striking Auto Workers on Picket Line in Michigan

President Joe Biden is set to travel to Michigan on Tuesday to show his support for the United Auto Workers (UAW) by joining them on the picket line amidst their strike against the nation’s three largest automakers. This extraordinary display of solidarity follows UAW President Shawn Fain’s invitation to President Biden to join the picket line during the ongoing strike against Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and Stellantis.

In a statement, President Biden announced, “Tuesday, I’ll go to 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 time for a win-win agreement that keeps American auto manufacturing thriving with well-paid UAW jobs.”

Details regarding President Biden’s specific destination within Michigan remain undisclosed at this time.

This visit is scheduled one day before former President Donald Trump, a frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination, plans to meet with striking auto workers in the Detroit area. Trump’s visit aims to court blue-collar workers for his 2024 presidential run, and he is expected to address rank-and-file members of various unions, including auto workers, rather than join the picket line.

President Trump has criticized the proliferation of electric vehicles, which President Biden supports, for disrupting the auto industry.

Pressure from progressive figures like Senator John Fetterman, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senator Bernie Sanders, among others, has mounted on President Biden to stand in solidarity with the UAW workers. UAW President Fain extended a public invitation to President Biden for the first time on Friday, encouraging everyone who supports their cause to join them on the picket line.

President Biden finds himself navigating a delicate political situation with the UAW strike. While he boasts decades of close ties with organized labor and has expressed his desire to be known as the “most pro-union president” in U.S. history, he also aims to prevent any national economic repercussions that could arise from an extended strike.

President Biden has voiced his support for UAW’s demands for higher pay, emphasizing that “record corporate profits should be shared by record contracts for the UAW.” However, at the request of the UAW, he has refrained from intervening in negotiations between the union and automakers.

President Fain’s invitation to President Biden comes as the UAW expands its strike to 38 new sites across 20 states. While progress has been made with Ford Motor Co. this week, General Motors and Stellantis are perceived to require more pressure.

White House press secretary Jean-Pierre affirmed that the White House is committed to assisting in any way the parties would like. Originally, a White House team led by Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and White House adviser Gene Sperling was scheduled to visit Detroit this week. However, the trip was canceled following indications from UAW’s leadership that they did not require assistance at the negotiating table.