DEARBORN, Mich. – The United Auto Workers union has released a statement regarding President Donald Trump flipping off one of its members during his visit to Detroit.
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It was captured on video Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn.
The worker appeared to yell, “pedophile protector,” to Trump, to which he seemed to respond with “f--- you,” and then gave the person the middle finger.
The autoworker was suspended from work, with Ford releasing a statement that said they value respect.
The UAW released a statement, Wednesday, Jan. 14, regarding the confrontation and the worker’s suspension.
“The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union -- the UAW. He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job.
The UAW will ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member.
Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone -- including the President of the United States."
Laura Dickerson, UAW Ford Department Director
The White House defended Trump’s action, telling TMZ that the person was “wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage,” and saying Trump “gave an appropriate and unambiguous response.”