Blog
November 25, 2023

US President Joe Biden Visits Striking General Motors Workers, Supports Wage Increase


Title: US President Joe Biden Supports Striking General Motors Workers in Michigan

(1) Paraphrased Content:
US President Joe Biden made history by becoming the first sitting President to visit striking workers in the United States. He joined the strike of General Motors employees who are members of the United Automotive Workers (UAW) union in Michigan. Speaking to the workers at the strike area, Biden voiced his support for their demand for a 40 percent wage increase, stating that they deserved even more. He emphasized that companies were now performing exceptionally well and the workers should also benefit from their success. Biden expressed his belief that the UAW members should receive a fair share of the record profits they have contributed to. Some workers expressed dissatisfaction with Biden and former President Donald Trump’s visits, preferring that neither of them come due to concerns about political division and controversy. Trump criticized Biden’s visit, accusing him of opportunism and claiming that he had only decided to visit the UAW after Trump announced his own visit to Michigan. Trump further alleged that Biden’s support for electric vehicles would negatively impact the US automotive industry, potentially causing the loss of thousands of auto workers’ jobs. Historians noted that Biden’s visit to Michigan represents the most significant support shown by a sitting President to striking workers since former President Theodore Roosevelt invited striking coal workers to the White House in 1902. The UAW workers initiated the strike earlier this month, targeting major auto companies such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (Chrysler’s parent company), demanding improved wages and working conditions.

(2) Specific ESG Risks:
– Labor disputes and strikes: The strike by General Motors employees highlights the risk of labor disputes and strikes, which can impact the company’s operations and supply chain.
– Wage inequality: The demand for a 40 percent wage increase reflects concerns about wage inequality within the automotive industry and the potential social and economic risks associated with it.

(3) Groups of Affected or Vulnerable People:
– General Motors employees who are members of the United Automotive Workers (UAW) union: They are directly affected by the strike and are advocating for better wages and working conditions.

(4) Companies Mentioned and Their Roles in Regards to the ESG Risk:
– General Motors: The company is directly involved as the target of the strike by its employees, which signals potential labor-related ESG risks in its supply chain.

(5) Affected or Relevant Sectors:
– Automotive industry: The strike and demands for better wages and working conditions directly impact the automotive industry, particularly companies like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.

(6) Keywords:
– US President Joe Biden, striking workers, General Motors, United Automotive Workers (UAW) union, Michigan, wage increase, record profits, dissatisfaction, former President Donald Trump, political division, controversy, electric vehicles, US automotive industry, job losses, historical support, labor disputes, strikes, wage inequality, workers’ rights, supply chain, automotive industry, Ford, Stellantis.

SOURCE