The United Auto Workers union said it plans to defend a Ford factory worker who was suspended after calling President Donald Trump a “protector of pedophiles” while touring one of the company’s factories in Michigan.

Trump, obviously taken aback by the boos, turned his back on the worker and uttered the words, “Fuck you!” according to video of the exchange published Tuesday by TMZ.

The line worker, TJ Sabula, told the Washington Post He “has absolutely no regrets” about criticizing the president with a reference to Jeffrey Epstein, the infamous pedophile, human trafficker and former friend of Trump. He said he has been suspended from his job pending an investigation.

Laura Dickerson, vice president of the UAW and head of its Ford department, said in a statement Wednesday that the union will support Sabula.

“He believes in freedom of expression, a principle we embrace wholeheartedly, and we support our members in protecting their voices at work,” Dickerson said, without naming Sabula. “The UAW will ensure our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language, safeguarding their job and their rights as a union member.”

He added: “Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone, including the President of the United States.”

President Donald Trump walks the assembly line at the Ford River Rouge complex on Tuesday in Dearborn, Michigan.
President Donald Trump walks the assembly line at the Ford River Rouge complex on Tuesday in Dearborn, Michigan.

Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images

Ford did not immediately respond to a News themezone inquiry about the suspension.

Union contracts like the UAW’s include clauses that protect workers from being fired or disciplined without just cause. A typical step is to file a complaint on behalf of the employee, arguing that the dismissal or suspension was not justified, initiating conversations with management that can lead to mediation or arbitration if it is not resolved.

UAW President Shawn Fain was among the most outspoken union leaders who opposed Trump during last year’s presidential campaign. He frequently called Trump a “crust” and a “conman” who doesn’t care at all about ordinary people, arguing that a second Trump presidency would be disastrous for the working class.

He also criticized Trump for hosting a campaign event where several people dressed in “Auto Workers for Trump” were standing. They’re not actually auto workers..

“It’s pathetic. Everything he does is a scam.” Fain said At the moment. “Donald Trump serves himself. He has always served himself.”

Trump was in Detroit to tour the Ford factory with CEO Jim Farley and Chairman Bill Ford. The president also gave a speech at the Detroit Economic Club that was full of your typical lies about the economy and other matterssuch as electoral fraud.

The White House has defended Trump by hurling profanities and giving the middle finger to a worker during the tour.

“A lunatic was yelling profanities wildly in a fit of rage and the president gave an appropriate and unequivocal response,” said Trump spokesman Steven Cheung.