As US witnesses historic strike, union leader adopts Christian rhetoric, to broaden appeal

In a twist that has raised eyebrows and stirred discussion, the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) has turned to strikingly Christian rhetoric to lead the union through an unprecedented strike. Shawn Fain, the recently elected UAW president, has brought his fervent Christian faith into the limelight, employing religious terms, stories, and scriptural references to rally the union's members.

This turn of events has not gone unnoticed, given the historical perception of unions as secular, progressive organizations. Fain's use of religious language and imagery to galvanize his union has ignited conversations about the intersection of faith and labor activism in America.

Here is what you need to know

The UAW has initiated a strike that affects three major auto manufacturers: General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. The union's leaders have threatened to expand the strike even further if negotiations fail to make substantial progress by Friday.

Shawn Fain's unique approach as the UAW president involves employing the cadence and tone of an old-school preacher. In his various platforms, including Facebook Live videos, YouTube streams, picket-line speeches, and media interviews, Fain invokes Christian themes to articulate the righteousness of the UAW's cause. He frequently references biblical figures like Moses and urges people to "stand up" for justice.

Bible behind Fain's conviction?

In one instance, Fain shared with UAW members how his daily Christian devotional reading on "fear and faith" seemed to resonate with the union's mission. Furthermore, he quoted the Bible's Matthew 17 in a broadcast message, emphasizing the importance of belief in the UAW's mission, stating, "For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move — and nothing will be impossible for you."

This use of Christian rhetoric, while unconventional for a labor leader, is not entirely unprecedented, as per a report from Axios. Jeff Ringer, an expert on religious rhetoric at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, who spoke with the publication notes that from an American Protestant evangelical perspective, such invocations of faith and biblical references are quite common in evangelical circles. The intersection of religion and labor activism in the United States has a long and complex history, with various religious affiliations among union members.

UAW is attempting to broaden its appeal?

The UAW historically included members from diverse religious backgrounds, including Catholics, Black Protestants, and White Protestants, all of whom shared overlapping pro-labor sentiments. Fain's use of biblical language, however, takes on a countercultural quality in today's political landscape, where evangelical Christianity has become closely associated with right-wing politics.

Fain may be attempting to expand the UAW's reach and garner support from individuals who may not typically align themselves with the labor movement. In the end, Fain's unconventional approach raises questions about the evolving dynamics of faith and labor activism in America and the broader cultural shifts that underlie these developments.