President Biden wore a red United Automobile Workers T-shirt over his button-down on Thursday to celebrate a landmark labor deal keeping a Stellantis manufacturing plant in business. He used his appearance in Illinois to solidify crucial union support.
Mr. Biden spoke before a boisterous crowd, touting a victory after the union reached an agreement with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis late last month. This agreement included pay increases and the reopening of the plant in Belvidere, Ill.
During his speech, Mr. Biden advocated for clean energy, emphasizing that electric vehicles will not necessarily lead to job losses. He contrasted this with the stance of his likely Republican opponent, former President Donald J. Trump.
Mr. Biden criticized his predecessor, stating that during Mr. Trump’s tenure, six factories closed across the country and tens of thousands of auto jobs were lost nationwide. Mr. Biden also discussed the need for clean energy regulations and their potential impact on autoworkers.
Then, Mr. Biden praised union leaders, particularly Shawn Fain, the president of the U.A.W., for saving the automobile industry with the strike he led. However, Mr. Fain did not offer Mr. Biden the endorsement of his powerful union.
The Biden administration’s push for electric vehicles has sparked concern among union leaders, particularly those critical of the potential impact on manufacturing jobs. However, the relationship between Mr. Biden and Mr. Fain improved after Mr. Biden joined striking autoworkers in Michigan in September.
Although the transition to clean energy and electric vehicles presents mixed emotions for some, it is evident that job changes and retraining will be necessary in the long run.
