Biden Joins Picket Line in Show of Support for UAW Strike

President Joe Biden briefly joined a picket line in Michigan on Tuesday in support of striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. 

Key Quotes: Speaking to a group of striking workers, Biden said, “The fact of the matter is you guys, UAW, you saved the automobile industry back in 2008. You've made a lot of sacrifices. You gave up a lot when the companies were in trouble. But now they're doing incredibly well and guess what? You should be doing incredibly well too.” Biden added, “Folks, stick with it. You deserve the significant raise you need and other benefits. Let's get back what we lost. We saved them, and it's about time they step up for us.”

Details: UAW first called the strike on August 15, expanding the walkout to additional facilities the following week. The union is demanding a roughly 40% pay increase, the reinstatement of cost-of-living-adjustments, the elimination of tiered wage systems, and additional job security provisions. During his visit, Biden voiced support for the 40% pay increase demand but did not speak directly on the other demands. 

How the Media Covered It: Biden’s visit to the picket line received prominent coverage in many left- and center-rated outlets on Tuesday. The Associated Press (Lean Left bias) stated Biden’s show of support is “unparalleled in presidential history.” Reuters (Center bias) stated Biden’s visit highlights “the importance of union support in the 2024 presidential election, even though unions represent a tiny fraction of U.S. workers.”