UAW President Shawn Fain Speaks With Status Coup!

In widespread interview in Michigan, Shawn Fain doesn't hold back on why he wanted to "beat the shit out of somebody" and warning Democrats labor can no longer be left behind

Hey folks, it’s Jordan and…it’s my birthday! Here’s a shameless request to sign up as a Status Coup member…it’s a gift to Status Coup, not me!

Yesterday, I interviewed UAW President Shawn Fain—who has been making waves for his refreshing, militant approach to contract demands with the Big Three car companies. During our interview, Fain blasted previous union leaders who constantly surrendered and told workers they must accept crumbs or risk their plants being shut down.

“When I hear the phrase live to fight another day, I want to literally to beat the sh*t out of somebody. We had that embedded in our brain as workers coming through over the years and it would drive me up a wall when I would hear a leader say live to fight another day. Another day came over and over and no one fought. This is our time, we call this our generation defining moment. This is it.”

Fain also had sharp words for the Democratic Party, warning President Biden that labor can no longer taken for granted.

“Our endorsements are going to be earned. It would drive me nuts as a worker to just watch sometimes we just endorse people and there is really no body of work behind that…labor can not continue to be left behind and that’s been our message to the White House, to Congress, and to anyone who will listen.”

Today is Day 6 of our ON-THE-GROUND reporting in Michigan and Ohio covering the UAW strike against Ford, Stellantis, and GM. As humbly as I can say it, I can’t tell you how many UAW workers have come up to me thanking me for our coverage—both now on-the-ground and for weeks leading up to the strike. UAW President Fain also complimented and thanked me for our coverage.

But the real thanks goes to YOU. Thank you to viewers who have signed up as paying members over the last few days as well as made donations to help fund this trip. I am now home spending my birthday with my wife and 10-month old daughter. My colleague Tina-Desiree Berg is arriving in Michigan today to continue our ON-THE-GROUND coverage. Between flights, hotels, rent-a-car, food for myself, video journalist Jon Farina, and now Tina—this trip is not cheap. We would like to continue to stay on-the-ground as this strike continues. The only way we can do it is if more viewers sign up as members.

Already a member? You can also donate to help fund this trip.

As always, most people are not lacking compassion in this country. Most people have no fu**ing clue what the hell is going on all around them. Let’s keep breaking through the propaganda.

Jordan