President Joe Biden now has the backing of another big labor union, the United Steelworkers Union.
Less than a week had passed since Biden expressed his disapproval of the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, arguing that it is imperative that the business continue to be owned and run by Americans. This was the union’s declaration on Wednesday in Pittsburgh.
The USW, which represents 850,000 workers in the rubber, mining, metals, and other industries, claimed that Biden has a history of backing legislation that benefits workers, affordable health care, and retirement security—all of which are significant concerns to its members.
Prior to this, the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, and a number of other unions supported Democratic candidate Joe Biden against the presumed Republican nominee, Donald Trump. The Teamsters union has held discussions with both contenders but has not yet made a decision.
Biden chose to stand up for unionized workers by opposing Nippon’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, even if doing so put him at odds with the business community and a crucial ally in Japan. Furthermore, Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in this year’s election, is home to the headquarters of U.S. Steel.
According to the USW, there are concerns regarding Nippon’s potential to uphold current labor agreements.
Earlier this year, Trump declared that he would prevent the purchase of U.S. Steel, calling the purchase by a Japanese business a “horrible thing.”
Nippon said that the agreement will help American national security, union laborers, and U.S. Steel. The acquisition would boost American supply chains and promote higher quality and competitiveness, according to the corporation.
