DETROIT – President Joe Biden is asking for a “truthful settlement” between the United Auto Staff and Detroit automakers that avoids “painful” plant closures, as the perimeters have interaction in contentious contract negotiations for roughly 150,000 unionized U.S. auto staff.

Biden – touted because the “most pro-union president” – mentioned Monday that the negotiations present a “win-win alternative” for all sides, whereas calling for a “truthful transition to a clear vitality future.” He additionally hailed the union’s position in creating the American center class, which he mentioned these new contracts ought to maintain.

“Because the Huge Three auto corporations and the United Auto Staff come collectively — one month earlier than the expiration of their contract — to barter a brand new settlement, I wish to be clear about the place I stand. I am asking all sides to work collectively to forge a good settlement,” Biden mentioned in an announcement launched by the White Home.

Biden’s assertion comes a month forward of present four-year offers between the UAW and Basic Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis expiring at 11:59 p.m. ET Sept. 14. It additionally comes months after UAW President Shawn Fain mentioned the union was withholding a reelection endorsement for Biden till the union’s issues in regards to the auto trade’s transition to all-electric automobiles are addressed.

Biden additionally mentioned the perimeters ought to “take each doable step to keep away from painful plant closings,” which can be simpler mentioned than completed, because the union pushes for hefty pay will increase and Stellantis has already indefinitely idled an Illinois meeting plant earlier this yr.

The UAW thought of Biden’s assertion a win, as union leaders equivalent to Fain have been calling for a “simply transition” to all-electric automobiles, which threaten UAW jobs.

“At this essential second in negotiations, we recognize President Biden’s help for robust contracts that guarantee good paying union jobs now and pave the way in which for a simply transition to an EV future,” Fain mentioned in an announcement.

EVs will be constructed with much less guide labor. There are also main issues concerning how the pay, advantages and organizing of three way partnership battery crops between the automakers and battery suppliers will affect the union and its members.

GM, Ford and Stellantis mentioned in statements they proceed to cut price in good religion with the union for contracts that profit the employees and help within the competitiveness of the businesses.

“We agree it’s essential for all sides to work collectively on a good labor contract – a contract that gives job safety and helps good wages and advantages for our workforce members whereas enabling corporations to compete efficiently domestically and globally,” GM mentioned.