Biden says record profits warrant record contracts as historic auto worker strike starts

United Auto Workers union unable to agree deal with Ford, GM and Stellantis, who have seen profits and executive pay soar

Joe Biden on Friday spoke out in support of auto workers as they launched a historic series of strikes after their union failed to reach an agreement with the US's three largest vehicle manufacturers.

No one wants a strike, but I respect workers' rights to use their options under the collective bargaining system, and [I] understand their frustrations," the US president said in a brief, unscheduled appearance at the White House.