Biden picks up United Farm Workers endorsement as United Auto Workers strike continues

The United Farm Workers announced it is endorsing President Joe Biden for reelection on Tuesday, the latest union to line up behind him while the United Auto Workers dents Biden’s image as the “most pro-union president in history.”

UFW President Teresa Romero called Biden an “authentic champion” for workers and their families.

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“The United Farm Workers has seen firsthand the positive impact that President Biden has made in the economic standing, labor rights, and daily lives of farm workers across America,” Romero said in a statement. “That is why we are proud to again endorse Joe Biden for President and Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States.”

The endorsement from the UFW comes as UAW enters the 12th day of its strike against the “Big Three” automakers in Detroit — General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. Biden is expected to join a strike picket line in the suburbs of Detroit on Tuesday, the most significant demonstration of his pro-union claims.

Jeff Zients, White House chief of staff, called Biden the “most pro-union president in history.”

Biden has received endorsements from several other unions. However, UAW President Shawn Fain said the autoworkers union, which endorsed Biden in 2020, would hold off on throwing its support behind the president for a second term. Failing to secure support from one of the country’s largest auto-industry unions could fracture the coalition that sent Biden to the White House three years ago.

The president has argued throughout the strike that the auto companies have not gone far enough to satisfy demands from the UAW. The White House has declined to comment on whether Biden supports the demands, such as a 40% wage hike and full-time pay for a 32-hour workweek.

“I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under. They gave everything from their pensions on, and they saved the automobile industry,” Biden said on Monday, adding that workers should benefit from the manufacturers’ monies “now that the industry is roaring back.”

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The union strike also stems from the Biden administration’s goal to switch the nation to electric vehicles, as many of the “Big Three” factories are jointly owned by battery companies and are not subject to union wage and benefit standards that are in place at traditional auto plants.

Former President Donald Trump, who is the front-runner for the GOP nomination and could face off against Biden in 2024, has urged the UAW to switch its endorsement to him. He has stated he will “immediately” end the electric vehicle “madness.”