In a significant development for the 2024 presidential race, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for U.S. president. This endorsement is expected to bolster Harris's campaign, particularly in the crucial swing state of Michigan, where the UAW's influence is considerable.
UAW President Shawn Fain praised Harris's dedication to the working class, stating that she "will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed." Fain highlighted Harris's record on fighting corporate price-gouging, profiteering, and unfair trade deals as key reasons for the union's support. He also noted her active involvement with auto workers, recalling how she walked the picket line with striking workers in 2019.
The 370,000-member union's executive board voted to endorse Harris following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race on July 21. This decision comes after the UAW had previously endorsed Biden for reelection in January. The UAW's endorsement is expected to resonate with many of its members who live and work in Michigan, a state that has seen campaign appearances from both Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Fain's statement underscored the union's belief in Harris's commitment to the working class, positioning her as a candidate who can build on a proven track record. "Our job in this election is to defeat Donald Trump and elect Kamala Harris to build on her proven track record of delivering for the working class," Fain stated.
Harris is set to rally with UAW members in Detroit on August 7, further cementing her connection with the union and its members. The endorsement could be a critical boost for Harris, especially as recent polls show her holding a marginal one-percentage-point lead over Trump.
Trump's campaign has not yet commented on the UAW's endorsement of Harris. However, Trump has been vocal about his views on the UAW and its leadership. At the Republican National Convention, Trump criticized Fain, calling for his immediate dismissal and accusing the union of failing to prevent Chinese automakers from building large factories in Mexico. "The United Auto Workers ought to be ashamed for allowing this to happen," Trump said, urging autoworkers to support his campaign.
Fain responded to Trump's remarks by reiterating the union's stance against Trump. "Donald Trump once again attacked our union on a national stage," Fain said in a statement to FOX Business. "That should tell you everything you need to know about the man and the candidate. As we've said for many months, he stands for everything we stand against."
The UAW has historically endorsed Democratic candidates, and its relationship with Biden was particularly strong. Biden became the first sitting president to join striking UAW members on a picket line in Detroit last September during a six-week strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. The strike led to significant gains for the union, including a 25% wage increase over the life of the contract and the return of cost-of-living adjustments.
While other prominent unions have also switched their endorsements from Biden to Harris, some, like the Teamsters, have yet to make a formal endorsement. Teamsters President Sean O'Brien spoke at the Republican National Convention but did not endorse Trump. A spokesperson for the Teamsters indicated that the union has invited Harris to meet but has not yet received a response.
On the same day as the UAW endorsement, Trump spoke about his views on electric vehicle policy at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago. "Elon Musk endorsed me and he is a friend of mine, ... but I am against everybody having an electric car," Trump said, referring to the Tesla CEO.
The UAW's endorsement of Harris signifies a deepening rift between the union and Trump, who had previously sought the union's support but was rebuffed by Fain. "I see no point in meeting with [Trump] because I don't think the man has any bit of care about what our workers stand for, what the working class stands for," Fain told CNN during last year's strike.
