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The United Steelworkers union endorsed President Biden’s reelection on Wednesday, less than a week after he announced his opposition to the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese-based Nippon Steel.
“President Biden proved time and again during his first term that he stands with working families,” said United Steelworkers President David McCall. “His vision and leadership allowed our nation to strengthen workers’ access to collective bargaining, grow the middle class, and embark on a path to widespread prosperity.”
The United Steelworkers represent about 850,000 members in steel mills, manufacturing plants, mines, rubber plants, and other sectors, including credit unions. Many of those steel jobs are located in swing state Pennsylvania.
Mr. Biden last week announced that he would oppose the sale of U.S. Steel to the Japanese company, which the United Steelworkers union has strongly criticized. The union filed a grievance against U.S. Steel in January, alleging the sale violated the terms of its union contract.
“I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it. U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated,” Mr. Biden said in a statement last week.
The $14.9 bill sale would terminate American ownership of the nation’s second-largest steelmaker. It is currently under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a panel that reviews transactions for national security concerns.
U.S. Steel has been headquartered in Pittsburgh since 1901.
In a statement, Biden’s campaign manager said the president is “honored” to earn the backing of the Steelworkers union.
“Four years ago, President Biden promised to be the most pro-worker and pro-union president in the history of the United States – and since becoming president, he’s lived up to that promise: fighting not just for keeping manufacturing jobs here in the United States, but also boosting American steel and buying American, creating more economic opportunity across the country,” she said.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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