Biden shows support for UAW strike with visit to Michigan picket line

On Tuesday, President Biden showed his support for United Auto Workers (UAW) members amidst the union’s ongoing strike by joining a picket line in Michigan. With the strike beginning nearly two weeks ago, the president took up a megaphone and encouraged workers to "stick with it," adding that they deserve a "significant" raise and other benefits, according to [CBS News].

"The fact of the matter is that you guys, the UAW, you saved the auto industry back in 2008 and before," President Biden said during his brief remarks. He went on to emphasize that the workers deserve better than their current compensation, stating, "You deserve what you've earned, and you've earned a hell of a lot more than you're getting paid now."

This move by a sitting president to intervene so visibly on behalf of striking workers is unprecedented in modern presidential history. Still, the Biden administration insists they are not interfering with negotiations.

When reporters asked if UAW should receive a 40% pay increase, striking workers cheered "Yes!" and President Biden agreed, stating that they should be able to bargain for that.

Despite the White House's claim that it wouldn't send officials to help with the negotiations, President Biden's appearance sends a clear message of support for the auto workers.

UAW began its walkout on September 15, expanding its strike against the Big Three automakers to include General Motors and Chrysler parent company Stellantis distribution centers in 20 states.

The union is demanding a 36% pay increase, annual cost-of-living adjustments, pensions, and a four-day workweek, among other things. Negotiations between the two sides still appear far apart.

President Biden believes companies involved have made "significant offers," but more needs to be done, as workers are entitled to a "fair share of the benefits they help create for an enterprise."

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