UAW President Shawn Fain has expressed his disinterest in meeting with former President Donald Trump during his planned visit to Detroit on Wednesday.
The UAW, which has been on strike against the "Big Three" auto companies since September 15, has been vocal about its demands for a shorter work week, higher pay, and better retirement benefits.
In an interview on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," Fain criticized Trump, stating that he sees no point in meeting with someone who he believes serves the billionaire class and lacks concern for the working class. Fain made it clear that his stance does not equate to an endorsement of President Joe Biden, but rather a reflection of his view of the former President.
Fain also attacked Trump for attempting to present himself as a pro-union ally, highlighting what he called "pathetic irony" in the former President holding a rally for union members at a non-union business. He pointed to Trump's track record, including blaming UAW members and their contracts for the problems faced by auto companies during the Great Recession in 2008. Fain also criticized Trump for his lack of support during the 2019 GM strike, noting that the former President did not hold a rally or publicly comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, President Biden made history by becoming the first President to meet with UAW members at the picket line on Tuesday. During the event, Biden expressed his support for the autoworkers' demand for a 40% raise, deviating from the White House's previous stance of not interfering in the negotiation process.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that Biden stands with the workers to ensure they receive a fair share of the record profits generated by the auto companies.
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