Presidents are typically expected to be neutral arbiters between striking laborers and the companies they work for. On Monday, however, Mr. Biden told reporters that he firmly stood with the union, which is calling for increased wages, shorter work hours and expanded benefits from three Detroit automakers: General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, the parent of Chrysler.
“I think the U.A.W. gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under,” Mr. Biden said, referring to the 2008 financial crisis, during which autoworkers agreed to contract concessions when several auto companies went bankrupt. “They gave everything from their pensions on, and they saved the automobile industry. I think that now that the industry is roaring back, they should participate in the benefit of that.”
Since the strike began on Sept. 15, Mr. Biden has been calling on companies and workers to reach an agreement that would spare a ripple effect through the economy that could raise auto prices and disrupt supply chains.
“Over generations, autoworkers sacrificed so much to keep the industry alive and strong, especially the economic crisis and the pandemic,” Mr. Biden said the day the strike began. “Workers deserve a fair share of the benefits they helped create.”
Karine Jean-Pierre, the president’s press secretary, declined to say on Monday what provisions Mr. Biden would support in a new contract.
