On Thursday, US President Biden supported the efforts of the United Auto Workers (UAW) to form unions at Tesla and Toyota factories, and called on car workers to oppose his Republican opponent Donald Trump.
Biden delivered a speech to UAW workers in Belvedere, Illinois. Before running for re-election next year, the Democratic president is trying to gain support for his economic agenda and consolidate his declining approval rating.
Biden, wearing a red T-shirt with the words' UAW 'printed on it, congratulated UAW Chairman Sean Finn and emphasized the preliminary agreement reached between the union and Detroit's three major automakers, which ended nearly 45 days of strikes.
I hope all car workers can get this kind of contract, "Biden said in Belvedere.
On his way to the event site, Biden told reporters that he "absolutely" supports UAW's efforts to include Tesla and Toyota workers in the union.
Biden Material Wins UAW's Support
Thursday's appearance once again allowed Biden to demonstrate his support for the union to the UAW. Unlike most other labor organizations, the UAW has not publicly supported Biden's re-election.
Biden also reminded workers that his Republican rival Trump visited an unionized factory in Michigan in September, while he himself joined the UAW strike workers' team.
I hope you have memories, "Biden said. Where I come from is important. Although union workers only make up 10% of the US workforce, their support in states such as Michigan was key to Biden's election in 2020 and is expected to continue to play a significant role in 2024.
In September, UAW's Finn ruled out a meeting with Trump, stating that he was a detached billionaire who "didn't care at all about what our workers represented or what the working class represented.
Labor leaders and Democratic Party officials have stated that the UAW is expected to support Biden after union members approve their preliminary contract agreement.
Tesla's stock price plummeted
In response to Biden's comments, Toyota stated that the car company hopes to "cultivate positive morale" and improve employee productivity. The decision to establish a trade union is ultimately made by our team members, "the Japanese automaker said in a statement.
Finn had previously stated that the union would seek to include non union workers from foreign automakers' US factories. Automobile union leaders suggest that Toyota may be one of the first car companies to face unionization, especially at its massive factory in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Tesla has not yet responded to Biden's comments. However, due to this impact, Tesla closed Thursday with a significant drop of over 5%.
Biden's comments may reignite friction between him and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has always held an anti union stance. Musk and Biden have been in constant dispute in recent years. Musk has stated that Biden's electric vehicle policy seems to be influenced by the unions, and has repeatedly complained that Tesla has been ignored by Biden.