UAW initiates nationwide campaign in support of Kamala Harris to engage workers

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has embarked on a national initiative to rally its one million active and retired members to support Kamala Harris in the upcoming election on November 5th. This move aims to provide a significant boost to the Democratic candidate, especially in critical battleground states.

UAW President Shawn Fain, along with the executive board, officially endorsed Harris at the end of July. Fain has been vocal in highlighting his opposition to Harris’ Republican opponent, former president Donald Trump. The UAW’s significant influence and membership are primarily concentrated in key swing states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

In the 2020 election, UAW members accounted for 9.2% of President Joe Biden’s votes in Michigan alone, showcasing the union’s political clout and ability to mobilize its members. The UAW’s strategy for this election cycle includes various tactics like online engagement, workplace interactions, and door-to-door outreach efforts.

Although the UAW did not disclose the exact budget for its election activities, insiders suggest that the union plans to allocate millions of dollars towards these efforts. Fain recently met with Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, underscoring the importance of these interactions with key political figures.

Historically, Michigan households with union members have shown a stronger inclination towards supporting Democratic candidates compared to non-union households. Furthermore, recent complaints filed by the UAW against President Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk underscore the union’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights.

As Harris gains momentum in the polls following Biden’s decision to step aside, Democrats nationwide are rallying behind her candidacy. However, the election remains a tightly contested race, with Trump’s support from certain working-class demographics posing a challenge to the Democratic base.

While the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has yet to endorse a candidate, the UAW’s unwavering support for Harris highlights the critical role that unions play in shaping the political landscape. By actively engaging and mobilizing its members, the UAW aims to ensure that its voice is heard in the upcoming election.