The United Steelworkers group has backed President Joe Biden, gaining him backing from another major labor group.
The Pittsburgh-based union’s announcement Wednesday comes less than a week after Biden expressed opposition to the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, saying it is critical that the company remain American-owned and run.
The United Steelworkers, which represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, rubber, and other industries, said Biden has a track record of supporting retirement security, affordable health care, and worker-friendly regulations, all of which are vital to its members.
The AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, and several other unions have previously endorsed Democrat Joe Biden in his battle against expected Republican contender Donald Trump. The Teamsters union has spoken with both candidates but has yet to make its decision.
By opposing Nippon’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, Biden decided to favor unionized workers at the expense of offending the business community and an important partner in Japan. Furthermore, U.S. Steel is based in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state in this year’s election.
The USW has expressed concern about whether Nippon will honor current labor agreements.
Trump stated earlier this year that he would oppose the U.S. Steel takeover, calling it a “horrible thing” for a Japanese corporation to purchase it.
Nippon stated that the agreement would assist US Steel and union workers, as well as US national defense. The acquisition will increase quality and competitiveness while bolstering American supply networks, according to the business.