UAW Workers Defy Union Endorsement, Plan to Vote for Trump

Despite the United Auto Workers' (UAW) endorsement of President Biden, some Michigan UAW members are planning to vote for former President Trump in the upcoming election, expressing dissatisfaction with the current government's policies.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) endorsement of President Biden has failed to sway some members who remain opposed to his candidacy and plan to cast their ballots for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. These UAW workers in Michigan have expressed frustration with what they perceive as the government's neglect of the working class and their region.

Chris Vitale, a UAW member at Chrysler, criticized the government's focus on appeasing coastal areas at the expense of manufacturing hubs like Michigan. "The government seems to be appeasing the coast, everyone who lives in Manhattan thinks everyone should drive an electric car," he said. "And our politicians, they're good with it. He [Donald Trump] isn't, and that's the difference."

UAW Workers Defy Union Endorsement, Plan to Vote for Trump

Another UAW voter, Bill Govier, expressed skepticism about Biden's policies, labeling him as "the anti-Christ or Hitler." He indicated that he might consider Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as an alternative, but only if it did not contribute to Biden's victory.

Former UAW President Bob King attributed the support for Trump among UAW members to a sense of abandonment by the government. "People feel like the government and the establishment hasn‘t been delivering for them. Is life better there now than it was 10 years ago or worse? And for many, many working people, it‘s worse," he said.

UAW Workers Defy Union Endorsement, Plan to Vote for Trump

Despite the UAW strike in September, which saw Biden join workers on the picket line, some members doubted that it would significantly influence their vote. Tonya Rincon acknowledged Biden's solidarity but predicted a close race in her auto plant between Biden and Trump.

Walter Robinson Jr., another UAW member, questioned Trump's ability to relate to the struggles of blue-collar workers. "He's never done a hard day's work, not physical work, like you do in a plant. He has a solid gold toilet at home, so I mean, how can he really empathize with your life?" he said.

UAW Workers Defy Union Endorsement, Plan to Vote for Trump

While the UAW's contract wins during the strike brought some relief, members emphasized that inflation and other financial challenges remained. "Gas prices are still pretty high. Food, when you go to the grocery store, every time, it's just me and my wife and it's $200 every time I go to the grocery store," said Robinson, who supplements his income as a DJ.

The UAW's members' defiance of the union's endorsement highlights the deep divisions within the organization and the broader political landscape. It remains to be seen whether their sentiments will translate into significant support for Trump or if Biden's policies can ultimately sway their votes.