Unprecedented: Biden's Michigan Visit Amplifies Support for Striking UAW Workers, Upending Trump's Narrative

President Joe Biden will be joining members of the United Auto Workers union in Wayne County, Michigan on Tuesday. He will be walking the picket line a day before former President Donald Trump's visit. This trip is taking place amid President Biden's low polling numbers in terms of his handling of economic issues, as well as the possible government shutdown this week. Both a prolonged strike and a shutdown could have negative economic repercussions, which the White House is working to prevent as President Biden tries to convince voters that his economic policies are effective. Additionally, President Biden's visit to Michigan coincides with his chief political rival's arrival in the swing state to appeal to union workers, a day after being defeated by President Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

Trump, the leading candidate in the GOP presidential primary race, has decided to forgo the second Republican debate in order to deliver a prime-time speech in Detroit on Wednesday. His audience will consist of current and former union members, including those from the UAW. Trump criticized President Biden for his visit, stating that Biden only made plans to walk the picket line after Trump announced his speech in Michigan.

On Monday, the White House was in a state of confusion as they finalized the details of the visit. Lawmakers were left unsure about the president's itinerary, which is highly unusual for a presidential trip. Insiders familiar with the planning described the logistics of the hastily announced visit as "chaotic" and "a mess."

On Monday afternoon, members of the United Auto Workers were informed that Biden would visit their picket line, but the plan was later canceled. With no official announcement from the White House, UAW members speculated that Biden would go to the picket line closest to the airport.

During his visit to Michigan, Biden will aim to show support for autoworkers without directly involving himself in the negotiations. Faced with increasing political pressure to publicly support the strike, Biden is expressing solidarity with union members who have been on strike against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis for two weeks.

"I believe that during the difficult times when the automobile industry was collapsing, the UAW made tremendous sacrifices," Biden expressed during a meeting with his HBCU advisory board when questioned about his stance on the UAW's requests in the negotiations. "They offered everything, starting from their pensions onwards, and played a vital role in saving the automobile industry. As the industry is now experiencing a strong resurgence, I believe they should reap the rewards of it.

"Considering the substantial rise in executive salaries and the growth within the industry, they should be able to share in the benefits. Therefore, I fully support – and have always supported – the UAW."

The president's response reflects the delicate balance he is trying to strike. He wants to show support for the striking autoworkers without directly intervening or influencing the negotiations. While the administration doesn't have the legal or legislative authority to actively participate in the talks, key officials, including Biden, have engaged with UAW leadership on broader policy changes that would be beneficial. However, it's worth noting that the union has criticized the administration's backing of a shift towards electric vehicle manufacturing.

Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

Reuters

Trump and Biden's trips to Michigan will showcase different approaches to securing support from union voters. Previous presidents, including Biden, have refrained from intervening in labor disputes to avoid any appearance of favoritism towards either party involved in ongoing legal battles. Currently, the National Labor Relations Board, whose members are appointed by the president and are expected to operate impartially, is handling 28 unresolved cases filed by the United Auto Workers.

Despite Biden's claims of being the most pro-labor president, the UAW has not yet endorsed his reelection. Union members, who were once a reliable Democratic voting group, have increasingly shown support for Republican candidates, as indicated by CNN polls and the AFL-CIO, the largest labor federation in the nation. The forthcoming appearance on the historic presidential picket line will reinforce Biden's dedication to this crucial voting and organizing group in preparation for the 2024 election. The pressure on Biden to further support workers has increased due to this union support background and the withheld endorsement. However, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not expressly state that the president supports the UAW's specific demands.

"At a press briefing on Monday, Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden is showing solidarity with the laborers and standing alongside them. She emphasized that the negotiations are separate and it is up to the parties involved to determine what is best for them. Additionally, she mentioned that the president has accepted an invitation from United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain to join him in walking the picket lines on Tuesday. When questioned about whether this visit and show of support indicated Biden taking sides in the negotiations, the press secretary declined to comment on the negotiations."

Striking United Auto Workers members picket outside the Stellantis Jeep Plant in Toledo, Ohio, U.S.September 17, 2023. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

Rebecca Cook/Reuters

Job security provisions could be the key to ending the auto strike

"This is up for negotiation," she stated. "We will not discuss the specifics of what is being presented. Our repeated message is that we see potential for a mutually beneficial agreement."

Jean-Pierre stressed that Biden would show support for workers by joining them on the picket line, but it should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the UAW's stance in the talks.

"We believe this agreement has the potential to be mutually beneficial for all parties involved, but we will refrain from discussing the specific details of the negotiations," she reiterated in response to inquiries about the president's stance on the proposals.

This report includes contributions from CNN's MJ Lee, Kayla Tausche, Jasmine Wright, and Vanessa Yurkevich.