Fain Forges UAW’s Political Presence as Strike Continues into Second Week

When Shawn Fain took over the United Auto Workers union in April, he aimed to revitalize its influence by turning it into a political force. In less than six months, he has achieved that goal by organizing a historic strike and leveraging his endorsement of President Biden.

Fain, the first rank-and-file member to lead the UAW, initiated the first strike in which UAW workers walked out simultaneously on all three major Detroit auto manufacturers. The strike has gained attention and support from politicians on both sides of the aisle. Democrats see the workers as victims of corporate greed, while Republicans claim the strike is a result of the Biden administration’s push towards electric vehicles.

Labor experts note that Fain’s strategy is driven by his understanding of the political nature of the battle. He aims to leverage the support of policymakers from both sides and maximize the UAW’s bargaining power.

The strike, which involves workers from three Midwest facilities, is about to enter its second week with no signs of ending soon. Fain has threatened to expand the strike to other plants if significant progress in contract negotiations is not made by Friday.

The UAW is demanding wage increases, a shorter workweek, restoration of retiree health benefits, profit sharing, and the restoration of defined-benefit pensions. The automakers have raised their wage offers and made other concessions but have resisted the demands for a shorter workweek and restoration of retirement benefits for new workers.

Labor and employment relations experts acknowledge Fain’s accomplishments so far but caution that he lacks vast experience on the national scene. They emphasize that the UAW’s future is at stake with this strike, as the whole labor movement experiences a resurgence under the Biden administration.

Historically, the UAW played a significant political role in the 1960s and 1970s but lost influence due to plant closings, global competition, and the availability of low-wage workers. The union has also faced a corruption scandal in recent years. Fain, as a reform candidate, promised increased political activity and a more militant approach to bargaining when he won the court-supervised election in March.

Fain’s decision to withhold endorsing President Biden for the 2024 election until the outcome of the strike is seen as a blow to the president. However, labor experts believe that Fain’s endorsement will likely come in due course, as the UAW recognizes the importance of supporting a candidate aligned with the environmental movement, which dominates the Democratic Party.

Although the president sent representatives to Detroit to help reach a contract agreement, UAW officials believe more support is needed. Some critics are puzzled by Biden’s tepid support for the striking workers, given his strong support for unions.

While Fain has skillfully garnered support from politicians on both sides, experts warn that public support may wane if the strike continues for an extended period. They highlight that most people do not have retiree health care, 32-hour workweeks, or comparable wages and may become less sympathetic to the autoworkers as the strike drags on.