The United Automobile Workers (U.A.W.) recently announced their endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election. This endorsement comes after a period of assessment of her approach to key issues by the union, which has about 370,000 members, particularly concentrated in battleground states like Michigan and Wisconsin.
The U.A.W.’s president, Shawn Fain, emphasized the importance of this endorsement, highlighting the choice facing the country between reelecting a billionaire who goes against the union’s values or electing Kamala Harris, who is seen as a supporter in the fight against corporate greed. The union plans to hold a rally with Harris in Detroit next week to showcase their support.
While many other unions endorsed Harris quickly after President Biden backed her, the U.A.W. took more time due to concerns about key issues such as U.S. manufacturing jobs and the situation in Gaza. The union had previously questioned Biden’s policies during the conflict in Gaza and had urged him to halt military aid to Israel.
Both Biden and Harris have strong connections to organized labor, with Biden being the first sitting president to join a picket line with autoworkers in Michigan and Harris supporting workers during a strike against General Motors while serving in the Senate. The U.A.W.’s influence in Michigan, where there is a significant Arab American population and pro-Palestinian sentiment, is crucial for the upcoming election.
The union’s stance on issues like the Gaza conflict has resonated with many of its members, including graduate students and academic workers who have been vocal in their opposition to the war. The U.A.W. formally called for a cease-fire in Gaza previously, showcasing their commitment to addressing global conflicts.
Overall, the U.A.W.’s endorsement of Kamala Harris has significant implications for the 2024 election, especially in key states like Michigan. Harris’ support for workers’ rights and her stance on important issues like manufacturing jobs and international conflicts have aligned with the priorities of the union, making her a strong candidate in their eyes. The upcoming rally in Detroit will further solidify this endorsement and highlight the union’s backing of Harris in the race for the presidency.
