UAW Mobilizes Members to Support Kamala Harris in Election
The United Auto Workers (UAW) is making a significant push to rally its one million active and retired members to vote for Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. The endorsement from UAW President Shawn Fain and his executive board in July marked a clear stance against Harris’ Republican rival, former president Donald Trump. With its strong presence and influence in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania – crucial swing states that could determine the outcome of the election – the UAW’s support has the potential to boost Harris’s chances.
The UAW’s strategy for this election involves engaging with its members through various channels, including online platforms, work sites, and door-to-door outreach. By mobilizing its members, the UAW aims to increase voter turnout and secure more votes for Harris. While the organization did not disclose the exact amount it plans to spend on its election efforts, sources familiar with the program suggest that it will invest millions of dollars.
To further solidify their support for Harris, UAW President Fain met with her and her vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz, during their campaign stops around Detroit. These interactions serve to reinforce the UAW’s commitment to Harris and highlight their shared values and interests.
Michigan, in particular, has seen a strong correlation between households with union members and their tendency to vote for Democrats. According to polling firm Edison Research, Michigan union households have consistently leaned more towards voting for Democrats compared to non-union households in the last three presidential elections. This data suggests that the UAW’s endorsement and mobilization efforts in Michigan could be particularly impactful for Harris.
In addition to its election efforts, the UAW recently filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board against both Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The complaints accuse the two of attempting to threaten and intimidate workers. The move came after a social media exchange between Trump and Musk, during which Trump praised Musk’s ability to cut costs and showed a lack of tolerance for workers going on strike. The filing of these complaints reflects the UAW’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and holding those who undermine them accountable.
While Harris’s entry into the presidential race has energized Democrats and she currently holds a slight national lead over Trump, the race remains highly competitive according to polls. Trump has, in the past, garnered support from certain working-class, white voters who would typically align with the Democratic Party. Some UAW members have voiced their backing for Trump, citing his track record on trade and tax issues as beneficial to the auto industry. However, the UAW’s support for Harris demonstrates that there is a significant portion of the union membership that sees her as the better candidate for their interests.
It is worth noting that not all unions have endorsed a candidate yet, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Teamsters president Sean O’Brien even spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, indicating that there is still a range of opinions within the labor movement. The UAW’s endorsement and mobilization efforts for Harris highlight the diversity of perspectives and the importance of unions in shaping political outcomes.
Overall, the UAW’s decision to support Kamala Harris and its subsequent mobilization of its members could have a significant impact on the upcoming election. With the UAW’s strong presence in key swing states and its ability to engage with its members effectively, Harris has the opportunity to secure crucial votes that could sway the outcome of the election. Whether the UAW’s efforts will be enough to tip the scales in Harris’s favor remains to be seen, but it is clear that the labor union is determined to make a difference in this election.
