POTUS Joe Biden made history on Tuesday morning by becoming the first sitting commander-in-chief to join UAW on the picket line. But the way the President got there is even more interesting. Over 100 vehicles were forming the presidential motorcade. The Secret Service also added two dump trucks. Here's what happened.
After years of not asking for anything meaningful from their employers, unionized auto workers decided to take matters into their own hands and began striking. At first, they targeted three very: Ford's plant in Wayne, Michigan, Stellantis' factory in Toledo, Ohio, and General Motors' manufacturing facility in Wentzville, Missouri. All three are profitable locations for the auto groups known as "The Detroit Three" or "The Big Three."
After some rounds of negotiations, the UAW leadership announced that Ford had made some concessions. However, it still wasn't enough. So, the strike was escalated. Dozens of Stellantis and GM parts distribution centers across 20 states temporarily closed because people walked out. The Blue Oval escaped this expansion because "it showed good faith," per UAW's leader Shawn Fain.
In his live address, Fain also confirmed that Joe Biden would join UAW members in a strong show of support. It's not the first time a sitting president sided with the workers. However, it is a premiere. The commander-in-chief physically joined the picket lines, mingled with the people, and sent a clear message - executives should take their demands more seriously.
But how he arrived at GM's Willow Run site sparked some controversy. A video published on Twitter by a CNBC reporter shows over 100 vehicles moving toward the historic location built by Henry Ford to manufacture warplanes (B-24 bombers).
Photo: More Perfect Union on Twitter
At the height of the war, over 42,000 Americans worked there. GM bought the plant in the '50s. It made automatic transmissions there. The auto giant almost demolished it all after filing for bankruptcy in 2009.
As expected, most are law enforcement units. But that also indicates something else – local police officers could have just wanted to be a part of this historical moment. So, they joined the motorcade and traveled in a predictable manner with the others responsible for security in the area.
However, it's worth noting that we're in a race against time to fix global warming. Using well over 100 gas-powered vehicles (with most being heavy SUVs) to maybe see Joe Biden for a few seconds is not supportive of that long-term green goal.
On top of that, the Secret Service blocked a round that led to GM's distribution center with two dump trucks. That, again, was an inefficient way to make use of available resources.
Photo: Brian Sullivan on Twitter
POTUS underlined that auto workers saved the automobile industry during the massive 2008 financial crisis. "You gave up a lot when the companies were in trouble. Now, they're doing incredibly well. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too!" said the President.
Some outlets wrongly reported that Joe Biden answered "Yes!" when asked if UAW members should get the 40% raise over four years they've been asking for. First off, they want a 36% raise. Second, the President said, "I think they should be able to bargain for that." Thus, Biden isn't publicly strongarming the Detroit Three into awarding massive raises.
Finally, Elon Musk chimed in after the President's visit. "Sure way to drive GM, Ford, and Chrysler bankrupt in the fast lane," noted Tesla's CEO after pointing out the UAW's demands for a massive rise and a 32-hour workweek.
2nd of presidents motorcade heading to GM distribution center. First 50+ cars already rolled by. 100+ cars easy plus some medical support. Bonkers. pic.twitter.com/HreAcjq9Cs
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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