UAW President Shawn Fain, known for his past criticism of Donald Trump, has publicly endorsed tariffs as a tool to bring jobs back to the United States and reinvest in American manufacturing. This marks a notable shift in his political messaging, as he supports protectionist measures to counter decades-long free trade policies that have led to widespread plant closures and declining union membership.

CNN reports that the United Auto Workers and many of its members publicly supported President Trump's decision to impose 25% tariffs on imported cars, a policy intended to protect American jobs. However, this endorsement coincides with nearly 900 temporary layoffs at Stellantis plants, highlighting a politically charged stance that aligns with far‐right, authoritarian policies despite negative immediate impacts on its own workforce.

The article highlights that members of the United Automobile Workers are cited among the biggest proponents of President Trump's tariffs, even as these policies contribute to severe stock market losses that jeopardize their union-guaranteed pension funds. This suggests a public political stance that may undermine the union's commitment to protecting worker interests.

UAW President Shawn Fain publicly endorsed Trump's earlier auto tariffs, arguing that they counter decades of outsourcing and factory decline, despite the fact that such tariffs are strongly associated with authoritarian economic policies. Fain’s remarks reflect a complex stance where, although intended to protect working-class jobs, his support also lends political legitimacy to policies implemented by an authoritarian leader.

UAW President Shawn Fain publicly praised President Trump’s 25% tariffs on foreign automobiles and parts, a move criticized by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for harming American families. Schumer argued that such broad tariffs, while potentially offering short-term automotive industry protection, damage workers and consumers alike by serving the interests of billionaires.

UAW President Shawn Fain applauded President Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars, arguing it would end decades-long free trade policies that harmed American auto workers. This praise coincided with GM's announcement of expanding production at its Indiana plant.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has filed federal Unfair Labor Practice charges with the NLRB against Volkswagen, accusing the automaker of undermining union negotiations by unilaterally cutting a production shift at its Chattanooga plant, an action that threatens jobs and worker rights. The union has also highlighted what it describes as Volkswagen’s anti-union and anti-worker conduct, and has notified the Trump administration of these issues.

In a notable policy reversal, UAW President Shawn Fain announced support for the Trump administration's 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles and parts, with the aim of reshoring auto jobs to the U.S. This marks a departure from the union's nearly 90‐year history of endorsing Democratic candidates and policies focused on worker protection.

The UAW publicly backed U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico, stating that the manufacturers should bear the costs of undoing free trade agreements. Critics argue this position undermines international labor solidarity and aligns the union with nationalist, far‐right policies.

The UAW has filed federal labor charges against Volkswagen at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, alleging violations of US labor law by attempting to cut jobs and implement major changes without negotiating with the union. The move underscores the union’s commitment to defending worker rights and holding corporations accountable to established labor standards.

UAW President Shawn Fain publicly endorsed President Trump's tariff policy during a broadcast on March 9, 2025, arguing that the tariffs would protect American jobs by countering unfair trade practices. His support marks an unexpected pivot from the union's traditional political alignment.

On September 16, 2024, the United Automobile Workers (UAW) filed federal unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Stellantis. The union alleges that Stellantis illegally refused to provide information regarding its plans for product commitments made in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement and is attempting to move Dodge Durango production out of the United States, violating agreed-upon commitments. This legal action aims to enforce the contract and protect American autoworkers.

The UAW filed federal unfair labor practice charges and multiple grievances against Stellantis for violating the 2023 collective bargaining agreement by refusing to provide key contract information and attempting to move production abroad. This move underscores UAW’s commitment to defending workers’ rights and holding corporations accountable.

On July 31, 2024, the UAW International Executive Board voted to endorse Kamala Harris for President, emphasizing her record of supporting workers, fighting corporate greed, and standing in opposition to authoritarian figures like Donald Trump.

On July 31, 2024, the UAW International Executive Board voted to endorse Kamala Harris for President, aligning the union with progressive, pro-worker policies and positioning itself against corporate greed and authoritarian tendencies.

On April 23, 2024, the UAW filed four separate unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Daimler Truck. The charges allege retaliation against union activities, interference with workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively, discriminatory treatment of union members, and failure to bargain in good faith. This move comes amid ongoing contract negotiations affecting over 7,300 workers.

On April 3, 2024, the UAW filed formal charges in Germany against Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, alleging that its anti-union campaign—including actions in its Alabama plant—violates the new German law on global supply chain practices and infringes on workers’ rights. The complaint highlights a series of human rights violations, including unlawful firings and intimidation of union supporters.

Workers at Mercedes-Benz's largest U.S. plant have filed federal charges due to alleged illegal union-busting practices, with UAW backing the legal action and urging a government injunction to protect worker rights.

The United Auto Workers publicly endorsed President Joe Biden during a three‐day political gathering in Washington, highlighting their support for pro-labor policies and contrasting Biden's solidarity with union workers against Trump’s anti-union stance. The endorsement, announced by union president Shawn Fain, emphasizes the union's commitment to advancing workers' rights and progressive values.

The United Automobile Workers announced its endorsement of Joe Biden for President on January 24, 2024. The endorsement, made during their CAP Conference, highlights the union’s commitment to advocating for workers' rights, economic and social justice, and progressive policies to counter corporate greed and authoritarian tendencies.

On January 24, 2024, the United Auto Workers publicly endorsed Joe Biden during their national CAP conference. The endorsement emphasized the union’s commitment to workers' rights, social justice, and opposition to corporate greed and authoritarian practices, marking a strong demonstration of political engagement in support of progressive policies.

Following an unprecedented strike against the Big Three automakers, the UAW negotiated historic contracts that include significant wage raises (ranging from 25% to 168% for some temporary workers), boosted retirement contributions, and enhanced benefits for approximately 150,000 workers. These gains not only improve workers' standards of living but also serve as a bold statement against corporate exploitation and authoritarian pressures in the auto industry.

United Auto Workers reached a tentative agreement with General Motors on October 30, 2023, ending weeks of strikes and securing significant wage and benefits improvements for its members. The deal, which includes immediate pay raises and long‐term improvements in labor conditions, reflects a major victory in collective bargaining against corporate resistance.

On October 30, 2023, after a 46-day strike, the United Auto Workers reached a tentative agreement with General Motors, ending the longest UAW strike against an automaker since 1998. The new record contracts are expected to have a significant positive impact on labor rights and working conditions in the U.S. auto industry.

On December 6, 2022, the UAW issued a call for the automotive industry to shift its supply chains away from the Chinese Uyghur region, where state-sponsored forced labor has been documented, and to reinvest in well-paying union jobs in the United States. The call was based on a new report highlighting human rights abuses in the Uyghur Region and follows the enactment of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.