Biden urges striking auto workers to “stick with it” in picket line visit unparalleled in history

President Joe Biden joined United Auto Workers strikers on a picket line Tuesday as their work stoppage against major carmakers hit day 12, a demonstration of support for organized labor apparently unparalleled in presidential history.

“Stick with it,” he told them, exchanging fist bumps with grinning picketers as he walked along the line. “You deserve the significant raise you need,” Biden said through a bullhorn while wearing a union baseball cap after arriving at a General Motors parts distribution warehouse west of Detroit.

He encouraged them to continue fighting for better wages despite concerns that a prolonged strike could slow the economy. He said “yes” when asked if UAW members deserved a 40% raise, one of the demands that the union has made.