Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), signaled his union's readiness to work with the incoming Trump administration on key issues affecting American workers, particularly trade and manufacturing revitalization. In a recent op-ed, Fain emphasized the need to address the challenges faced by blue-collar workers over the past decades, citing the decline of manufacturing jobs and the negative impact of trade agreements.
Fain acknowledged Trump's previous appeals to working-class voters and his promises to reform the system. However, he also pointed out the shortcomings of the USMCA, arguing that it has failed to stem the flow of jobs overseas and has widened the trade deficit with Mexico. Despite having endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, Fain stressed that the UAW's core mission remains unchanged regardless of who occupies the White House.
Fain's op-ed comes after a period of strained relations between the UAW and Trump. During the 2024 Republican National Convention, Trump called for Fain's dismissal, criticizing his leadership of the union. Now, Fain appears to be extending an olive branch, suggesting a willingness to find common ground with the new administration on issues like trade policy and manufacturing. He specifically mentioned Trump's pledge to renegotiate the USMCA and expressed agreement on the need for improvements.
Fain reiterated his commitment to fighting for American workers, regardless of political affiliations. He echoed Trump's past rhetoric about the negative consequences of "free trade" and called for a fundamental shift in trade policies to benefit the working class. He expressed the UAW's willingness to support any political leader or administration committed to addressing corporate greed and revitalizing American manufacturing.
