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UAW to weigh whether Biden calls for Israel-Hamas cease-fire when deciding endorsement

Ray Bogan Political Correspondent
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Will the Israel-Hamas war stand in the way of President Biden getting the backing of one of the nation’s most powerful labor unions? Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers union, indicated the president’s policy on the Israel-Hamas war and whether he calls for a cease-fire will factor into the UAW board’s decision on endorsing him.

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“That’s a decision the president has to make,” Fain said when asked if the president had talked to him about a cease-fire. “But our stance from day one of my administration has been that our endorsements will be earned, not freely given anymore.”

Fain made the statement at the U.S. Capitol building, where he appeared with Reps. Cori Bush, D-Mo., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. The group met there to call for a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. 

“Thousands of our members have called with concerns about this issue,” Fain said. “That’s why we discussed this as a board. And it’s why we decided to weigh in on it. Because, you know, we have a lot of members that are concerned that we need a cease-fire and we need peace.”

Fain said there are many factors that play into the union’s endorsements, and he would not say if there is one single issue that will be determinative, even when asked directly.

“We still have a lot to talk about with our endorsements going forward,” Fain told Straight Arrow News. “We don’t have any decisions made yet. And that’ll play out, you know, as as the board meets and as our membership, as we discuss things with them. We’re not ready to even talk on that issue yet as far as what will and won’t determine an endorsement.”

Fain said the decision will be made by the UAW’s 14-member board in consultation with its members.

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[Ray Bogan]

Will the Israel-Hamas war stand in the way of President Biden getting the backing of one of the nation’s most powerful labor unions? 

Shawn Fain, the President of the United Auto Workers union, indicated the President’s policy on the Israel-Hamas war and whether he calls for a ceasefire, will factor into the UAW board’s decision on endorsing him.

[Shawn Fain, UAW president]

 “That’s a decision the President has to make. But you know, our stance from day one of my administration has been that our endorsements will be earned not freely given any more.”  

[Ray Bogan]

Fain made the statement at the US Capitol building, where he appeared with Representatives Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to call for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

[Shawn Fain, UAW president]

I mean, 1000s of our members have called in with concerns about this issue. That’s why we discussed this as a board. And it’s why we decided to weigh in on it. Because, you know, we have a lot of members that are concerned that we need a ceasefire.”

[Ray Bogan]

Fain said there are many factors that play into their endorsements. He would not say if this issue or others will play a determining factor, even when asked directly. 

Mr. Fain, if President Biden doesn’t call for a ceasefire, will UAW endorse him?”

[Shawn Fain, UAW president]

That’s we still have a lot to talk about our endorsements going forward. We don’t have any decisions made yet. And that’ll play out, you know, as as the board meets and as our membership as we discuss things with them.”

[Ray Bogan]

Fain said the decision is made by the UAW’s 14 member board in consultation with its members. Straight from DC, I’m Ray Bogan.