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Former President Donald Trump to speak at non-union plant in Clinton Twp.

Posted at 5:39 AM, Sep 27, 2023
and last updated 2023-09-27 21:34:54-04

We are now on day 12 of the United Auto Workers union strike against the Big Three automakers, and politics are making their way into the conversation.

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak to non-union workers at an auto supplier in Clinton Township on Wednesday evening.

Trump will visit with those non-union workers instead of attend the second GOP Presidential Primary debate.

UAW leadership does not support Trump's visit, with UAW President Shawn Fain releasing a statement last week saying in part, "Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers."

Fain told CNN this week, "I find it pathetic irony that the former president is going to hold a rally for union members at a non-union business."

Trump will be speaking to current and former UAW members at Drake Enterprise in Macomb County. Fain held Trump's record to the fire.

"What about meeting with Trump, would you meet with him when he's in Detroit tomorrow?" Fain was asked.

"I see no point in meeting with him, because I don't think the man has any bit of care for what our workers care for, for what the working class stands for. He serves the billionaire class and that's what's wrong with this country," Fain said.

UAW Strike: Political spotlight intensifies as Biden, Trump prepare to visit

Some union members have told 7 Action News they want to hear what Trump has to say about electric vehicles.

"Trump, he said he was going to cancel that electric car mandate, which would give us job security. So, I'm for that," said Shaun Hunter, a UAW member.

In a historic visit on Tuesday, President Joe Biden visited General Motors' Willow Run Redistribution Center in Van Buren Township.

Biden urges striking auto workers to 'stick with it' in picket line visit

The president spoke through a bullhorn and openly sided with striking workers in the auto industry's labor dispute.

"You deserve what you've earned and you've earned a hell of a lot more than you're getting paid now!" Biden said.

On Tuesday, Fain greeted Biden as he exited Air Force One and also spoke at the plant before Biden.

"I look for who's on the picket line, and Joe's been there," one worker told us.

It is yet to be determined if either visit will have any impact on negotiations.