Biden and Trump Use UAW Strike to Kick Off Early 2024 Campaigning

Leaders Biden and Trump are using the UAW strike to start campaigning early for 2024, evoking the labor conflicts of the 1970s.
Contradictions Biden's pro-union, pro-green industrial policy undermines itself by making the EV transition costlier.
Protectionism Trump and Biden both back tariffs to protect manufacturing workers, but this could replicate the uncompetitive conditions that ruined Detroit in the 1970s.
Unrealistic demands The UAW is seeking a 36% raise over 4 years despite softer labor markets, when automaker pay already averages over $100k.
Political focus Biden and Trump's priority is appealing to Midwestern working-class voters, not resolving the strike efficiently.

economist.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/13/2023

UAW Strike Looms Over Biden's Standing With Labor Groups

The United Auto Workers' threat to strike against major automakers could test Joe Biden's claim of being the most pro-union president in US history and have significant economic and political implications, potentially causing car shortages and layoffs in auto-supply industries and other sectors.

9/15/2023

Biden Faces Political Test As UAW Strike Highlights His Pro-Union Agenda

The United Auto Workers' strike against car companies in Michigan is seen as a real-time test of President Biden's economic agenda and policy positions, including higher wages for the middle class, support for unions, and the push for an electric vehicle future.

9/19/2023

Biden Backs UAW Strike Ahead of 2024, Seeking Union Support in Rust Belt

President Joe Biden, known for his support of unions, has thrown his full support behind the United Autoworkers in their strike against Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors, as he seeks to maintain the support of union workers in Rust Belt states crucial to his reelection in 2024.

9/19/2023

Biden Playing Catch-Up as Trump Seizes Initiative on Auto Strike

Some allies of President Joe Biden are concerned that Donald Trump's visit to Detroit for a speech during the auto workers' strike shows that Trump may be more politically savvy than previously thought, prompting Biden's team to consider sending a top lieutenant to the picket line to counter Trump's influence.

9/24/2023

Biden Stands with Auto Workers Ahead of Trump Visit

President Joe Biden is joining auto union workers on the picket line in Michigan because he is "deeply pro-worker" and supports their fight for fair wages and benefits, not to outshine former President Donald Trump, according to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

9/26/2023

Biden Backs Striking Autoworkers in Michigan, Competing with Trump for Labor Support

President Biden is visiting Michigan to show support for striking autoworkers, while former President Trump plans to address union members in the state as well as they compete for voter support in a key swing state.

10/22/2023

Biden's Embrace of EVs Poses Political Risk in Michigan

President Joe Biden's support for electric vehicles may negatively impact his re-election chances as tension over the EV issue, which includes concerns about job security, rises among union workers and car companies in swing states such as Michigan.

Topics

Posted 9/27/2023, 7:36:01 PM

Biden and Trump Use UAW Strike to Kick Off Early 2024 Campaigning

Leaders Biden and Trump are using the UAW strike to start campaigning early for 2024, evoking the labor conflicts of the 1970s.
Contradictions Biden's pro-union, pro-green industrial policy undermines itself by making the EV transition costlier.
Protectionism Trump and Biden both back tariffs to protect manufacturing workers, but this could replicate the uncompetitive conditions that ruined Detroit in the 1970s.
Unrealistic demands The UAW is seeking a 36% raise over 4 years despite softer labor markets, when automaker pay already averages over $100k.
Political focus Biden and Trump's priority is appealing to Midwestern working-class voters, not resolving the strike efficiently.

economist.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/13/2023

UAW Strike Looms Over Biden's Standing With Labor Groups

9/15/2023

Biden Faces Political Test As UAW Strike Highlights His Pro-Union Agenda

9/19/2023

Biden Backs UAW Strike Ahead of 2024, Seeking Union Support in Rust Belt

9/19/2023

Biden Playing Catch-Up as Trump Seizes Initiative on Auto Strike

9/24/2023

Biden Stands with Auto Workers Ahead of Trump Visit

9/26/2023

Biden Backs Striking Autoworkers in Michigan, Competing with Trump for Labor Support

10/22/2023

Biden's Embrace of EVs Poses Political Risk in Michigan