The greatest Labor president in American history

By Fabrizio Sasso
Executive Director, Sacramento CLC

President Biden made Labor history last month on the United Auto Workers picket line in Belleville, Michigan.

For the first time in American history, a sitting president came to the strike line and stood in solidarity with workers.

I can’t emphasize enough how important this action was, and what a turning point it is for unions in America. It signals an era when working people aren’t just tolerated, aren’t appeased because capitalism depends on their labor.

Instead, it heralds an era when we are true equals—valued, respected and acknowledged as a powerful force by the highest office of government.

“Folks, stick with it because you deserve the significant raise you need and other benefits,” Biden said, as he wore a UAW hat. Let’s get back what we lost, OK? If we can save them, then it’s about time for them to step up for us.”

President Biden will be remembered as one of the greatest champions of working families in the history of this country. Long before he stood on that picket line, he has proven that he understands and values the Labor Movement. Under his administration, we have seen rights restored and strengthened. In no small part, his leadership has allowed Labor to flourish and organize, and helped fuel this hot Labor year that has energized us all.

We have long seen local Labor leaders stand with us and for us. It is hardly shocking, given the boots-on-the-ground power Labor represents in local elections, that elected officials on the city, county and state level want our help and support us in our work. But national politics are a different beast, especially in this divisive age where income inequality has made the rich richer while the rest of us are left to fight over the remains. President Biden could have paid lip service to unions, given us the most basic of support. The truth is, in these dire times, it may have appeased many.

But that’s not who he is as a person, or a leader. For decades, Biden has shown a true commitment to bettering the lives of all Americans. And it is in that spirit that he stood with our siblings in the United Auto Workers.

“You’ve heard me say it many times, Wall Street didn’t build the country,” Biden said later during his visit. “The middle class built the country. Unions built the middle class. That’s a fact. So let’s keep going. You deserve what you’ve earned, and you’ve earned a hell of a lot more than you’re getting paid now.”

Wow. What a president, what a champion.

But it is far from assured that Biden will win a second term. Trump is the Republican frontrunner, and behind him is an ugly list of anti-union sellouts who would cut our power by any means possible if they are elected. In coming months, we need to be Biden’s champion the way he is ours. We need to make sure he is re-elected, so that he can continue to represent us in the most powerful of offices.

This is a unique moment in history—one filled with problems and tough fights, but one also filled with people like Biden who are ready and willing to step into the fights that matter. I am incredibly proud to call Joe Biden my president. And I call on all of you to join me in the coming year to ensure we can call Biden Mr. President for another four years.