Donald Trump and Kristen Welker
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washington — Thousands of UAW members went on strike on Friday after former President Donald Trump warned that U.S. autoworker jobs would be lost to China and accused the leadership of the United Auto Workers union of failing its members. General Motors, Ford and star.
“Christine, auto workers are not going to have any jobs because all these cars are going to be made in China. Electric cars are going to be made in China, too,” Trump told NBC News’ Kristen Welker in an exclusive interview. Made.” The wide-ranging interview will air Sunday on “Meet the Press.”
The Republican presidential candidate added: “Auto workers are being betrayed by their leadership, and their leadership should be supporting Trump.”
Employees wearing masks work on a car assembly line at SAIC General Motors. SAIC General Motors Wuhan Branch has resumed production in accordance with epidemic prevention and control regulations.
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About 13,000 U.S. auto workers stopped making cars and went on strike after negotiations failed on a range of issues, including higher wages.
The strike marks the first time the United Auto Workers union has targeted all three major automakers at the same time.
Workers are on strike at GM’s midsize truck and full-size van assembly plant in Wentzville, Missouri; Ford’s Ranger pickup and Bronco SUV plant in Wayne, Michigan; and Stellantis’ Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator plant in Toledo, Ohio.
read more: Why the UAW wants a big pay raise
Trump specifically criticized United Auto Workers President Sean Fein. “I don’t think he’s doing a good job of representing the union because three years from now he’s not going to unionize. These jobs are going to be gone because all these electric cars are going to be made in China.. That’s what’s happening ,” Trump said.
Fein has previously said that Trump’s re-election as president would be a “disaster.” But he also declined to endorse President Joe Biden.
UAW (United Auto Workers) President Shawn Fain speaks with members of the media and UAW members outside UAW Local 900 headquarters across the street from the Ford Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, on September 15, 2023.
Matthew Hatcher | AFP | Getty Images
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Biden said he hoped all parties could reach a “win-win deal.”
“These companies have made some significant offers,” Biden said, adding, “But I believe they should go further to ensure that record corporate profits mean record contracts for the United Auto Workers.”
Biden said he also respects workers’ rights “to use their options under the collective bargaining system.”
read more: Biden says record profits should secure record contracts as UAW attacks Ford, GM, Stellantis plants
Trump is trying to become the most ardent China hawk in the US presidential election. He’s also trying to make Biden’s electric vehicle push a key part of his case against the president.
The fragile relationship between Washington and Beijing, the world’s two largest economies, has further intensified under the Trump administration.
Trump has squarely blamed China for a wide range of grievances, including intellectual property theft, unfair trade practices and the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden has sought to work seriously with allies to create a more united pushback against China.
He has also previously said that he has spent more time with Chinese President Xi Jinping than any other world leader during his political career.
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