The UAW’s Big Bet: Why They Endorsed Kamala Harris Over Trump in 2020

The 2020 presidential election was a clash of ideologies, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, representing over 400,000 autoworkers, made their choice clear: they were backing Vice President Kamala Harris.

But why did the UAW, a union historically aligned with the Democratic party, choose Harris over incumbent President Donald Trump? The answer lies in a complex web of policy positions, economic realities, and the deeply felt concerns of the UAW membership.

A Legacy of Labor Unrest:

The UAW has long been a powerful voice for American workers, fighting for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. But the union’s relationship with the auto industry, its bedrock, had become increasingly strained in recent years.

• Trade Wars and Job Losses: Trump’s trade wars with China and other nations had a significant impact on the American auto industry, leading to job losses and factory closures. The UAW saw Trump’s policies as harmful to their members, leading to a decline in membership and a shrinking economic pie to share.

• Union Busting and Labor Rights: Trump’s administration was viewed by the UAW as being hostile to labor unions. They pointed to Trump’s support for right-to-work laws, which weaken union power, and his appointment of anti-union figures to key positions. This led to a sense of unease and mistrust within the UAW ranks.

Harris’s Promise: A Bridge to Better Labor Relations

Enter Kamala Harris. While not a traditional labor candidate, Harris promised a more progressive approach to labor issues. She pledged to:

• Revive the American Auto Industry: Harris vowed to invest in clean energy and electric vehicles, creating new jobs and revitalizing the industry. This resonated with UAW members who were anxious about the future of their industry.

• Strengthen Labor Rights: Harris promised to be a strong advocate for workers’ rights, opposing right-to-work laws and supporting collective bargaining. This resonated with a union membership that felt increasingly vulnerable and underrepresented.

• Focus on Worker Well-being: Harris committed to addressing issues like healthcare access, affordable housing, and childcare, which directly impact the lives of UAW members and their families.

The Data Speaks Volumes:

The UAW’s decision to endorse Harris was not based solely on rhetoric. Data and statistics further illustrated the stark differences between the two candidates on issues of vital importance to the union:

• Economic Performance: Under Trump, the UAW experienced a decline in membership, wages, and job security. The auto industry was hit hard by the trade wars and factory closures. Harris’s promise of investment in green energy and manufacturing revitalization held the potential to reverse this trend.

• Union Representation: Trump’s administration was seen as being hostile to labor unions, with policies like right-to-work laws and anti-union appointments. Harris’s commitment to strengthening labor rights offered hope for a more favorable environment for unions and their members.

• Worker Well-being: Harris’s focus on healthcare access, affordable housing, and childcare resonated with UAW members who were struggling with these issues. Trump’s policies, such as the dismantling of the Affordable Care Act, had a detrimental impact on working-class families.

Beyond Endorsement: A Shift in the Labor Landscape?

The UAW’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2020 was a significant moment in the labor movement. It marked a shift in strategy for the union, moving away from a purely economic focus to embracing a more progressive agenda that addresses social and economic justice.

The UAW’s decision was not without its risks. Some members, particularly those in traditional manufacturing sectors, remained skeptical of Harris’s progressive platform. However, the union’s leadership felt that the future of labor, and their members, lay in aligning with a candidate who championed worker rights and a more equitable society.

The UAW’s endorsement of Harris was a bold statement about the future of labor in America. It showed that the union was ready to embrace a more progressive vision for the future, one that not only focuses on economic issues but also addresses social justice concerns. This strategy remains a point of debate within the union and beyond, but one thing is clear: the UAW’s endorsement of Harris was a signal of a changing tide in the labor landscape.

Keywords: UAW, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, 2020 Election, Labor Union, Auto Industry, Trade Wars, Labor Rights, Right-to-Work Laws, Worker Well-being, Healthcare Access, Affordable Housing, Childcare, Economic Performance, Union Representation, Progressive Agenda, Future of Labor.