Vice President Mike Pence expressed his support for the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, stating that the union is justified in pushing back against Biden administration policies that promote electric vehicles (EVs). The UAW initiated a historic strike against the three major automakers – Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis – on Friday. The union is demanding higher wages, improved retirement benefits, and stronger workplace protections.
Pence believes that many of the UAW’s concerns stem from the state of the economy, particularly inflation. In a CNN interview, he stated that autoworkers, like other Americans, are experiencing the reality of wages not keeping up with inflation. While inflation reached record highs last year, it has since cooled down, leading to optimism that the U.S. economy may avoid a recession.
Regarding CEO pay in the automakers’ industry, Pence declined to comment on whether it is unfair, which is a significant argument among UAW members and their supporters. Instead, he pointed to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as a driving factor behind the concerns of auto workers. The IRA includes provisions aimed at promoting the production of electric vehicles, such as tax credits for purchasing EVs and programs supporting new production facilities.
Pence expressed understanding for UAW members’ anxiety over the green agenda that utilizes taxpayer dollars to drive the automotive economy towards EVs. He highlighted the Green New Deal, which was passed under the guise of the Inflation Reduction Act, and its impact on the industry, benefiting China as the main producer of batteries. Pence stated that he believes the UAW is rightfully pushing back against these developments, and he believes the American people also support them because they are all experiencing the failures of “Bidenomics.”
The UAW has previously raised concerns about EVs, noting that most new EV production facilities are being established in regions of the country where union support and regulation are weaker, primarily in the south. UAW President Shawn Fain announced that the union will not endorse President Biden’s reelection campaign due to these EV concerns.
Former UAW President Bob King criticized the Biden administration for providing billions of dollars to corporations, calling it a tremendous slap in the face to the UAW. He made this statement on Saturday, emphasizing the need for Biden to take action on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has expressed support for the strike, with President Biden encouraging automakers to return to the bargaining table with an improved offer. Biden believes that record corporate profits should be shared through significant contracts for the UAW.
In conclusion, Vice President Mike Pence has backed the UAW strike, attributing their concerns to the state of the economy and policies promoting electric vehicles. The UAW’s demands for better wages, retirement benefits, and workplace protections have gained support from various quarters. The impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Green New Deal on the automotive industry and the union’s concerns over EV production have become significant points of contention. President Biden has voiced his support for the strike and called for increased contracts for the UAW.
Original Story at thehill.com – 2023-09-17 15:06:00
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