Auto Workers endorse Harris

United Auto Workers endorse Harris for president

From CNN's Arlette Saenz

The UAW International Executive Board voted to formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for president, the union announced Wednesday.

“Our job in this election is to defeat Donald Trump and elect Kamala Harris to build on her proven track record of delivering for the working class,” UAW President Shawn Fain said. “We stand at a crossroads in this country. We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed.”

Harris and Fain spoke last Wednesday night for 10-15 minutes, a source familiar with the call said.

The endorsement comes as Harris has worked to rally the labor community around her candidacy in the week and a half since she entered the race. While Harris has the backing of the board, she could still have work to do with rank-and-file members at a time when former President Donald Trump has sought to make inroads with union households. 

The UAW’s backing could be helpful in mobilizing working-class voters in key battleground states such as Michigan.

The union said Harris will meet directly with its members and hold a rally with them and Michigan voters next Wednesday.  

The UAW formally endorsed President Joe Biden in January, but Fain had recently expressed concerns about the Biden’s ability to defeat Trump following his June debate performance.