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DETROIT, May 25 (UPI) -- One of the largest and best-known unions in the United States formally threw its muscle behind Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton on Wednesday, saying the former State Department chief best represents its interests. The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America -- also known as the United Auto Workers Union -- issued its formal endorsement of Clinton Wednesday.
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"Hillary Clinton understands our issues on trade, understands the complexities of multinational economies and supports American workers, their families and communities," UAW President Dennis Williams said in a statement. "For many reasons, the UAW supports Hillary Clinton as the best choice for our members and our nation in the November election."
Founded in 1935, the UAW represents more than 400,000 workers and is home to about 600 local unions, the organization says. Highly influential, its workplaces range from multinational corporations, small manufacturers, and state and local governments to colleges and universities, hospitals and private non-profit organizations.
The union said Wednesday it also supports Clinton's Democratic rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, but is convinced the former first lady is a better choice this November.
"He has been, and remains, a great friend of the UAW, and of working men and women in this country," the UAW said of Sanders. "But, the fact is, Hillary Clinton has shown under pressure her ability to lead and get elected in November."
"We [had] to choose between two very good UAW friends and move forward as a united membership," Williams stated.
The union said it had sent questionnaires to all presidential hopefuls in both parties, for the purpose of making its endorsement, but not one was returned by any Republican candidate.
The UAW criticized the GOP's presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, saying he made public comments "about wanting UAW member jobs to move to non-union, low-paying states to compete with Mexican wages."
"Mr. Trump clearly does not support the economic security of UAW families," Williams said.
The UAW said Clinton has a track record of supporting workers' issues and agrees with union leadership on matters like wage theft, workplace exploitation and opposing President Barack Obama's Trans-Pacific Partnership.
"As president, Hillary Clinton will empower a new chief trade prosecutor who will report directly to her and aggressively combat trade violations. She also will triple the number of trade enforcement officers and crack down on currency manipulation that hurts American workers," the union said. "A Hillary Clinton presidency will focus on collective bargaining rights and fair treatment of workers, including creating high standards for domestic sourcing and 'buy American' laws."
