The Big Three automakers stalled production and moved parts out of plants across the country ahead of the strike, according to rank-and-file UAW members.
The strategy the UAW is currently employing is led by the union’s new militant president, Shawn Fain. He was elected in March after the UAW changed its election process from a delegate system to one member, one vote in the most recent leadership election. He has assumed a new posture for the union’s leadership: for example, refusing to endorse Joe Biden for president until he supports the UAW’s efforts to unionize electric vehicle facilities, and rejecting a ceremonial handshake with auto manufacturer bosses before the start of contract negotiations.
In the critical swing state of Michigan, where tens of thousands of UAW members work, the union holds an outsized influence over state politics and, in turn, nationwide races. That means union support will be crucial for Biden’s reelection chances in 2024. Capitalizing on the Biden administration’s tepid support for the UAW strike, Donald Trump announced he would speak to autoworkers this month, drawing condemnation from Fain.
So fucking good. Need this militant take in the labor movement to spread like wildfire.
My only question is, if not supporting Biden what would they then suggest? Not voting? Because voting for the other guy, you may as well disband your union now
You understand what an endorsement is right?
Political power is not maintained by just giving it away in return for nothing, i.e. the union loses power by just endorsing Biden without Biden showing his support of the union.
Any organization should withhold endorsements if neither candidate represents their best interests. That is a strong indication that the political parties need to run better candidates. That kind of political pressure isn’t as prevalent as it needs to be and I am happy to see UAW applying it.
Thank you. I feel like I am always trying to explain this to people online and I wish I did half as good a job as you did here. Do you mind if I quote this comment next time the subject comes up?
Of course.
There’s no reason there couldn’t be a Union party.
You’re absolutely right. We are actually building a workers party right now Workers Strike Back. You should sign up to show support and see if we have any organization near you.
It’s been an exciting week, last Thursday our show On Strike! launched, covering the labor news mainstream media refuses to cover honestly. And a suprise second episode released today covering the UAW strike, really happy to see coverage and analysis happen with such turnaround.
The Democratic party should not feel themselves entitled to the union vote. Asking them to deserve it is fair. That they’re less evil than Republicans is granted, but that’s a very low bar. They should aspire to something better even if they need to be goaded into it.
The democrats will fold any chance they get, watch Biden vote to make the strike illegal like he did with the rail strike
great work!
