UAW Launches Nationwide Campaign to Support Harris in 2024 Election

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has initiated a comprehensive nationwide campaign to rally its one million active and retired members in support of Kamala Harris for the November 5, 2024, U.S. presidential election. This effort could significantly impact the outcome in crucial battleground states.

Shawn Fain, the UAW President, and the union's executive board officially endorsed Harris in late July 2024. Fain has been vocal in his opposition to Donald Trump, the Republican candidate. The UAW's influence is particularly strong in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania – states that could potentially determine the election's result.

The union's strategy encompasses various engagement methods, including online interactions, workplace outreach, and door-to-door campaigns. While the UAW has not disclosed the exact budget for its election efforts, sources suggest the union plans to invest millions of dollars in this initiative.

In the 2020 election, the UAW's membership accounted for 9.2% of Joe Biden's votes in Michigan alone, highlighting the union's potential impact. Founded in 1935, the UAW has a long history of political activism and has been instrumental in shaping labor rights in the United States. At its peak in 1979, the union boasted about 1.5 million members.

The UAW's support for Harris comes at a time when the Democratic candidate holds a narrow lead over Trump in national polls. However, the race remains tight, with some UAW members expressing support for Trump based on his trade and tax policies.

On August 13, 2024, the UAW filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board against Trump and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, alleging attempts to intimidate workers. This action followed a social media exchange between Trump and Musk, where Trump praised Musk's cost-cutting abilities and stated he would not tolerate workers going on strike.

The UAW's campaign for Harris is part of its broader history of involvement in social causes and political activism. The union has been a key player in establishing labor protections, including the 40-hour work week, and has expanded its representation beyond the auto industry to sectors such as aerospace and agriculture.

While the UAW has thrown its support behind Harris, other unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, have yet to endorse a candidate. This diverse landscape of union support underscores the complex dynamics at play in the 2024 presidential race.

As the election approaches, the UAW's campaign efforts will likely intensify, potentially playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome in key battleground states.