UAW Pres. backs auto tariffs but calls broader trade measures “reckless”

UAW President Shawn Fain is doubling down on his support of auto tariffs—insisting that the industry can adjust.

The details: In an interview with NPR, Fain detailed why he firmly supports the levies on the U.S. auto industry—amid growing concern about the impact the tariffs are having on the U.S. economy, putting the stock market in a whirlwind. 

• Fain says that higher prices are a matter of a company’s choice, reflective of what he describes as the “billionaire class” and the “corporate class” making their profits, and “always pass anything bad on to consumers."

• The UAW President contends that "half of Americans don't even have stock"—though reports indicate estimates indicate that more than 60% of Americans own some stock.

• Fain also addressed the idea that any factories "reshored" to the U.S. would likely have to be highly automated, saying such factories would at least require, "skilled trade jobs which are even better-paying jobs." 

Worth noting: Though Fain strongly supports the 25% auto tariffs, he described the global tariffs announced last Wednesday by President Trump as “reckless.”

Between the lines: Fain’s staunch support of the levies has prompted criticism from auto worker groups in Canada, which is an integral part of the U.S. auto industry, especially for Stellantis, GM, and Ford.

• Lana Payne, national president of Unifor, the UAW’s Canadian counterpart, said “I don’t know that I would say we have common goals here,” speaking on Fain’s position on the tariffs.  

• Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, was more direct in his criticism of Fain Monday, saying the UAW president is "100 per cent" wrong in his support of the auto tariffs.  

The criticism of Fain’s position on the levies follows Canada Industry Minister Anita Anand saying that she spoke to auto companies, and “every one of them” have indicated they plan to stay in Canada.

Bottom line: Even though Fain supported former VP Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, the UAW president’s strong support of the auto tariffs could bolster Trump’s confidence to stand even firmer in his position on the measures, especially regarding Canada and Mexico.

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