A strike next week against the three big U.S. automakers could ding the economy and hamper the president's message on jobs and climate change.
An autoworkers’ strike, which could begin as soon as Thursday night, could also coincide with a federal government shutdown if Congress cannot reach a stopgap spending deal by Sept. 30. And it would add to thethat has marked much of the Biden era, with contract disputes already shutting down much of Hollywood and smaller walkouts at private companies taking place across the country.
Asked earlier this week about Biden’s comments about the likelihood of a strike, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said he is an “optimist” and encourages “both sides to continue to talk.” “The president did not want intervention … but he did want engagement,” said a senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter freely.
Indeed, one of Sperling’s main efforts has been to cultivate a relationship with the new leadership at the UAW, where Fain won election in March on a platform of taking a more aggressive stance in contract negotiations.