PITTSBURGH (AP) — The United Steelworkers union has endorsed President Joe Biden, giving him the endorsement of another major union.
Wednesday's announcement by the Pittsburgh-based union came less than a week after Biden announced his opposition to U.S. Steel's planned sale to Nippon Steel, saying the company is U.S.-owned. He said it was important that it continue to operate.
The USW, which represents 850,000 workers in the metals, mining, rubber and other industries, said Biden has a number of policies that are important to its members, including retirement security, affordable health care and legislation to support workers. He said he has a track record of championing issues.
The AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers and several other unions had previously supported Democrat Biden in the race against likely Republican nominee Donald Trump. The Teamsters union is in talks with both candidates but has not yet announced a candidate.
Mr. Biden chose to support unionized workers at the risk of upsetting Japan's business community and key allies by opposing Japan's proposed takeover of U.S. Steel. U.S. Steel is also headquartered in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in this year's election.
USW said it was concerned about Japan's compliance with existing collective bargaining agreements.
President Trump said earlier this year that he would block a Japanese company from acquiring U.S. Steel, calling it a “horrible thing.”
Made in Japan said the agreement would benefit not only U.S. national security but also U.S. Steel and its union workers. The company said the acquisition will improve quality and competitiveness while strengthening its U.S. supply chain.
