Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has voiced strong criticism of President Joe Biden’s support for striking UAW autoworkers, especially their demands for a significant 40% pay increase and a reduction in the workweek. Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his concerns, stating that Biden’s stance was a “guaranteed path to pushing GM, Ford, and Chrysler into the fast lane of bankruptcy.”
Biden made a visit to the picket line in Belleville, Michigan, donning a union baseball cap and offering words of encouragement to the striking autoworkers, asserting that they deserve a “substantial raise and other benefits.” When questioned about whether UAW members should receive a 40% wage hike, Biden replied affirmatively, emphasizing their right to negotiate for it.
While the White House has maintained a stance of not engaging in negotiations, it has underlined President Biden’s unwavering support for the workers. The strike, now in its twelfth day, has involved ongoing discussions between UAW workers and major U.S. auto manufacturers GM, Ford, and Stellantis.
In addition to increased pay, the striking workers are pressing for cost-of-living adjustments, heightened pension benefits for current retirees, and the restoration of pensions for newly hired employees. Former President Donald Trump also plans to visit the UAW strikers in Michigan, despite UAW leader Shawn Fain’s criticism and reluctance to meet with him. Fain expressed reservations about engaging with a representative of the “billionaire class.”