The United Steelworkers Union (USW), representing 850,000 workers across various industries, has officially endorsed President Joe Biden. This endorsement follows closely on the heels of Biden’s opposition to the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, emphasizing the importance of keeping the company under American ownership for both national and worker interests.
Quick Read
Key points from this development include:
- USW’s Endorsement: The USW, a significant player in the labor movement, adds its support to Biden, highlighting his record on retirement security, affordable healthcare, and pro-worker legislation.
- Biden’s Stance on U.S. Steel: By opposing the Nippon Steel deal, Biden aligns with unionized workers, potentially straining relations with the business sector and Japan, an important ally. U.S. Steel’s location in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state, adds political weight to this decision.
- Previous Union Endorsements: Biden has already secured endorsements from other major unions, including the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers, indicating strong labor support. The Teamsters, however, remain undecided.
- Concerns Over the Acquisition: Both USW and President Trump have expressed opposition to the acquisition, citing concerns over labor agreements and national interests. Nippon Steel, on the other hand, argues that the deal would bolster U.S. Steel, benefit workers, and enhance national security by improving quality, competitiveness, and supply chain strength.
This union endorsement, coupled with Biden’s position on the U.S. Steel sale, underscores the complex interplay between labor interests, business dynamics, and international relations in the current political landscape.
The Associated Press has the story:
United Steelworkers union endorses Biden, giving him more labor support in presidential race
Newslooks- PITTSBURGH (AP) —
The United Steelworkers Union has endorsed President Joe Biden, giving him support from another large labor union. The announcement Wednesday by the Pittsburgh-based union came less than a week after Biden voiced opposition to the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, saying it’s vital that the company remain American owned and operated.
The USW, which represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, rubber and other industries, said Biden has a track record of supporting retirement security, affordable health care and laws that help workers, all important issues to its members.
The AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, and several other unions previously endorsed Democrat Biden in his race against Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee. The Teamsters union has talked with both candidates and has yet to announce its pick.
By opposing Nippon’s planned acquisition of U.S. Steel, Biden chose to support unionized workers at the risk of upsetting the business community and an essential ally in Japan. Also, U.S. Steel is headquartered in Pennsylvania, a key swing state in this year’s election.
The USW has said it’s concerned about whether Nippon would honor existing labor agreements.
Trump said earlier this year that he would block the U.S. Steel acquisition, saying that it would a “horrible thing” for a Japanese company to buy it.
Nippon said the deal would benefit U.S. Steel and union workers, as well as U.S. national security. The purchase would drive greater quality and competitiveness while strengthening American supply chains, the company said.
