For the first time since 1996, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest labor unions in the United States, has opted not to endorse a presidential candidate. This decision comes as a significant surprise, particularly given the union’s influence, which spans approximately 1.3 million members across the U.S. and Canada.
The Teamsters stated they received “few commitments on top Teamsters issues” from both Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump. While recent polling indicated some support for Trump among their members, the union claimed there was “no definitive support” for either candidate. This lack of a clear preference presents a considerable setback for the Harris campaign, especially with election day less than 50 days away.
In response to the union’s announcement, several regional councils representing over half a million members in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and California declared their support for Harris. The Harris campaign highlighted this grassroots backing, stating, “While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice-President Harris has walked the picket line and supported organized labor throughout her career.”
The Teamsters’ membership comprises a politically diverse group, including freight drivers, warehouse workers, and airline pilots. Under the leadership of General President Sean O’Brien, the union has made efforts to engage with Republican figures, including a notable meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year.
The union’s recent financial contributions to both Democratic and Republican National Conventions $45,000 each have raised eyebrows among Democrats. O’Brien’s appearance at the Republican National Convention, where he praised Trump, further complicated relationships with the Democratic Party. Despite this, O’Brien criticized Trump over remarks about firing striking workers.
Following O’Brien’s speech at the RNC, the Democrats did not invite him to their convention, opting instead for rank-and-file members to represent the Teamsters. This decision has sparked frustration among some union members, particularly as factions within the union, including the Teamsters National Black Caucus, have publicly supported Harris.
Recently, Harris met with the Teamsters board in a long-anticipated roundtable discussion. Reports described the meeting as “sometimes tense,” but a union spokesperson contested this characterization. Harris expressed her confidence in winning their endorsement, stating, “I want your endorsement, but if I don’t get it, I will treat you exactly as if I had gotten your endorsement.”
President Joe Biden, who has made significant strides in supporting labor, including historic actions such as walking a picket line, has been acknowledged by O’Brien as a president who has been “great for unions.” However, reports suggest that the Teamsters were unlikely to endorse Biden’s re-election bid.
As the election approaches, the Teamsters Union’s decision not to endorse either candidate leaves the door open for further developments. With working-class votes critical in battleground states, both campaigns will need to address the concerns of Teamsters members to secure their support in the upcoming election.