U.S. President Joe Biden salutes as he departs Joint Base Andrews for Michigan where he will join striking members of the United Auto Workers on the picket line, in Maryland, U.S., September 26, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein Acquire Licensing Rights
Sept 26 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden and 2024 Republican front-runner and former President Donald Trump both travel to Michigan this week to talk to local auto industry workers, as a United Auto Workers’ strike spreads around the country.
Biden, a Democrat, and Trump are expected to speak to different crowds and present messages that reflect their vastly divergent views on unions, organized labor and the future of the U.S. auto industry.
Winning the UAW’s support is part of a broader push by both presidential candidates to capture the small-but-influential union vote in the November 2024 election.
JOE BIDEN: SHARE THE PROFITS
Michigan trip: Biden is expected on a UAW picket line in Wayne County, where he will meet with UAW President Shawn Fain.
Michigan message: Biden is expected to side with striking workers and urge the companies to share their record profits with workers.
As President: Biden says support for unions is a cornerstone of his economic policies, and he has pushed investment in U.S. manufacturing tied to union jobs and workers’ rights.
Biden has backed collective bargaining and union wage increases since taking office, but blocked a railroad workers’ strike in 2022, disappointing unions pushing for paid sick leave.
Notable quote: Auto companies
Biden vs. Trump in Michigan: Views on unions, the UAW auto strike
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