PITTSBURGH – The United Steelworkers Union has endorsed a President Joe Bidenit is supported by another major trade union.
Wednesday’s announcement by the Pittsburgh-based union came a week after Biden voiced his opposition. US Steel is slated to be sold to Japan’s Nippon Steelsays it’s important for the company to be American-owned and operated.
The USW, which represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, rubber and other industries, said Biden has a track record of supporting pension security, affordable health care and laws that help workers, all issues important to its members.
AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers and a number of other associations previously supported Democrat Biden in his race against Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump. Union of commanders spoke with both candidates and still hasn’t announced his choice.
By opposing Nippon’s planned takeover of US Steel, Biden chose to support union workers at the risk of upsetting the business community and a key ally in Japan. Also, US Steel is headquartered in Pennsylvania, a key state in this year’s election.
The USW said it was concerned about whether Nippon would honor existing labor agreements.
Trump indicated earlier this year that he would block the purchase of US Steel, saying it would be “a terrible thing” for a Japanese company to buy it.
Nippon said the deal would benefit US Steel and union workers, as well as US national security. The company said the acquisition will strengthen American supply chains and increase quality and competitiveness.