The United Auto Workers (UAW), representing over 400,000 members, has decided to withhold its support for President Joe Biden due to his administration’s aggressive promotion of electric vehicles (EVs).
The union, which is deeply rooted in the auto industry, demands concrete commitments from the Biden administration to safeguard auto industry jobs before it considers endorsing the president’s re-election bid.
In an internal memo circulated within the UAW, President Shawn Fain underscored the union’s stance.
Fain made it clear that the UAW expects national leadership to have the back of the auto industry before it pledges its support. “We want to see national leadership have our back on this before we make any commitments,” Fain wrote, emphasizing the union’s concern for the future of its members.
Automakers have found themselves grappling with the challenge of reducing costs as they strive to adapt to the evolving landscape dominated by the push for electric vehicles.
Unfortunately, this transformation has often led to job cuts in both the electric and traditional internal combustion engine sectors, as investments in electric vehicles continue to drain money in the short term.
This week, Ford Motor Company announced its decision to lay off at least 1,000 salaried workers across North America.
The company attributed these cuts to rising costs associated with electric vehicles.
Ford, for instance, is projected to suffer an estimated operating profit loss of approximately $3 billion in its electric vehicle business this year alone.
Under the Biden administration, the push for green energy mandates has gained momentum, with the aim of increasing electric vehicle sales tenfold within the next decade.
While the intentions may seem noble, the Department of Energy, just last week, announced an unprecedented $9.2 million loan to Ford Motor for a joint venture to bolster electric vehicle battery production across three American factories.
UAW President Fain wasted no time in expressing his concerns following the announcement of this loan. “We have been absolutely clear that the switch to electric engine jobs, battery production, and other EV manufacturing cannot become a race to the bottom. Not only is the federal government not using its power to turn the tide – they’re actively funding the race to the bottom with billions in public money,” Fain stated in a resolute fashion.
Fain further criticized the Biden administration’s facilitation of corporate greed with taxpayer money, questioning why profitable companies would receive massive financial aid while workers’ share of the pie continues to shrink.
The UAW president’s words strike a chord with those who believe that limited government intervention, free markets, and individual liberties should be the guiding principles, even in matters concerning the auto industry.
It is worth noting that the UAW, comprising 400,000 members, had previously endorsed Joe Biden’s White House bid during the 2020 presidential election.
However, the current administration’s relentless push towards electric vehicles has prompted the union to reevaluate its support, as it strives to safeguard the interests of its members and the future of the auto industry itself.
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