UAW President Calls Kamala Harris a Champion for Workers

United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain addressed the Democratic National Convention (DNC) this week, presenting Vice President Kamala Harris as a champion for the working class. However, Fain's remarks highlighted a growing concern among labor leaders regarding Harris's green energy policies, which they argue could jeopardize millions of American auto jobs and related industries. Fain characterized Harris as an ally for labor, while simultaneously criticizing former President Donald Trump for catering to the interests of the wealthy. Despite Fain's support, Harris's track record raises questions about her commitment to American auto workers. During her 2020 campaign, she proposed a ban on the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, advocating for a transition to electric vehicles (EVs). As vice president, she has endorsed President Biden's EV mandate, which aims for a majority of new cars sold in the U.S. to be electric or hybrid by 2032. Critics argue that these policies could disproportionately benefit China, which dominates the global supply chain for essential minerals used in EV batteries. The Biden administration's infrastructure plan, which allocated $7.5 billion for EV charging stations, has seen minimal progress, with only seven chargers deployed as of June. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act's "Buy American" provisions face challenges due to China's control over critical mineral supplies. While Harris promotes an "opportunity economy," her approach raises concerns about the implications for American auto workers amid increasing Chinese economic influence.