President Biden on Monday called on both sides to strike a fair agreement amid the contract negotiations between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the top U.S. automakers, known as the Big Three.
The union’s contracts expire in September and the UAW has warned Ford, General Motors and Stellantis — formerly Chrysler — that it is prepared to strike.
UAW workers are pushing for better pay, pensions and job security.
“I want to be clear about where I stand. I’m asking all sides to work together to forge a fair agreement,” Biden said in a statement.
Biden added that he supports a fair transition to a clean energy future, doubling down on the issue. The UAW is currently withholding its endorsement of his reelection bid due to concerns over the White House’s focus on electric vehicles (EVs).
Biden met with UAW President Shawn Fain to discuss contract negotiations in July after union leadership had asked for an opportunity to brief White House senior staff.
When UAW announced in May that it would withhold its endorsement, Fain said that the union wants to see a “just transition” to EVs “where the workers who make the auto industry run aren’t left behind.”
The Hill’s Alex Gangitano has more here.
