On Wednesday, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union is expected to endorse President Joe Biden’s re-election bid, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The announcement is anticipated to come during the UAW’s conference in Washington, where Biden is scheduled to address the attendees in the afternoon.
Last year, Biden became the first sitting President to visit striking auto workers in Detroit, who were demanding better pay and living expenses. Both Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump won in the recent New Hampshire primaries, which are expected to herald the end of the primaries process, marking the commencement of the general election.
The UAW’s endorsement of Biden could wield substantial political implications, especially because it wields significant influence on Michigan, a crucial battleground state in the 2024 presidential election. Biden won the state narrowly in the last election cycle.
While Trump has sought to gain favor among union members, particularly those who believe that globalization has left behind those who built their lives on manufacturing jobs, his appeal has divided union members. Historically, union leaders have aligned themselves with Democrats, while Republicans have worked more closely with companies that are often at odds with those same unions.
Biden has claimed the title of the most pro-union President in American history, but some union members have felt that his message has lacked substance, particularly among those concerned about trade and immigration, issues on which Trump appears to hold an advantage.
Currently, Biden has received endorsements from almost every major union, including the AFL-CIO. But a few notable organizations are yet to make their choice. The International Association of Fire Fighters, the American Postal Workers Union, and the Teamsters are still amongst the organizations that have yet to endorse either candidate.
