The United Auto Workers Union (UAW) in the United States has expressed its support for the tariff policy implemented by the U.S. government on Tuesday, March 4th, and has praised President Trump for taking proactive measures to change past unfair trade agreements with neighboring countries.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) stated, “Tariffs are a powerful tool in the toolbox that can eliminate unfair practices in trade agreements that are detrimental to workers. We are pleased to see the U.S. President taking proactive action to end the free trade disaster that has hit the working class like a bomb.”
The union also mentioned that any price increases resulting from higher tariffs should be blamed on American businesses rather than President Trump.
“There have been many comments about how these tariffs are ‘disturbing’ the economy,” the UAW continued, “However, if American companies choose to raise prices or attack American workers because they do not want to pay their fair share, then these companies should be held accountable for this decision.”
The statement also pointed out that over the past 40 years, the so-called “free trade” agreements have destroyed “good blue-collar jobs in America” as U.S. companies continue to move their production lines overseas.
The union stated that it will collaborate with the White House on the issue of automobile tariffs in April to “benefit the working class.”
The United Auto Workers Union is one of the most powerful unions in the United States, with approximately 1 million members, including retired workers.
This statement on Tuesday marks a significant shift in the UAW’s position. Despite many of its members voting for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, the union has generally supported the Democratic Party historically, and its leaders have criticized Trump during the last election campaign.
The Trump administration has decided to impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on China, and this new round of tariffs went into effect on Tuesday.