Recently it has been reported that President Joe Biden and staffers have taken interest in the negotiations between the United Auto Workers and the big three Detroit car companies, Ford, GM, and Stellantis.
Last week workers at three plants walked off the job as no new contract had been reached.
President Joe Biden dispatched two aides, White House Advisor Gene Sterling and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Stu.
However, UAW President Shawn Fain has said that the White House has not been an active participant in the talks.
Fain has said multiple times these last few days that the UAW is handling the talks without needing aid from the President's staff.
Fain told MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart when it was suggested if the aides were helping with the negotiations, “That’s a mischaracterization. They’re not involved in negotiations.”
Before the strike, President Joe Biden gave his support to the union and warned the car companies not to take measures against them should a strike occur.
Former President has also commented frequently about the negotiations. He has said multiple times that they should reject the transition to electric vehicles and has suggested he will visit picket lines.
Fain also stated that the former President has not been part of the negotiations either.
So far, this seems to be Sperling and Stu’s mission. The President said that he was sending them to advise and help where possible and not to handle negotiations, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The situation is complicated because while Biden has supported the Union, the UAW has yet to endorse the President because of his stance on electric vehicles, as they can be made with fewer workers.
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