The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the most prominent labor unions with about 1.3 million members, has made headlines by declining to endorse any candidate for the 2024 presidential election, marking the first time it has abstained from endorsing since 1996. This unexpected decision raises questions about the union's political alignment and its traditional support for Democratic candidates.
Union President Sean O’Brien announced this news amid speculation about whether the organization would support either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. According to O’Brien, the Teamsters did not receive significant commitments from either candidate on issues key to the union, such as the right to strike and labor rights protections. The union expressed its disappointment, indicating there was no majority support for either party's nominee, stating, "We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in our core industries, but we were unable to secure those pledges.”
This lack of endorsement sends shockwaves through the political atmosphere, especially as both candidates eye support from organized labor—a constituency they each need. Historically, the Teamsters have backed Democratic candidates, including support for Joe Biden during the last election and Hillary Clinton prior to him. Notably, Teamsters did not endorse Trump during his previous run but have begun to shift under O’Brien's leadership, hinting at broader political strategies.
The absence of endorsements this election could considerably impact the Teamsters' influence on battleground states—key areas such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where many of its members reside. Harris's campaign, potentially facing vulnerabilities among working-class voters, could find itself at a disadvantage without the union’s stamp of approval, which has often mobilized many active Teamsters to the polls.
While the Teamsters’ general executive board has not lent its support, several regional councils within the union have expressed their endorsement of Harris. These councils represent Teamsters members from places including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nevada, reinforcing the idea of internal divisions within the union concerning the endorsement decision. Bill Carroll, President of Teamsters Joint Council 39, commented on Harris’s record as Vice President, emphasizing initiatives like the Butch Lewis Act, which has been instrumental for many retirees. He noted, "We will work with millions of union workers across the country to defeat Donald Trump once again," highlighting the contrasting views within the membership.
Polling data collected by the Teamsters shows strong preference from members for Trump over Harris—59% of union members indicated they'd favor him compared to 34% for Harris. This polling suggests a significant divergence between the union leadership's stance and the rank-and-file preferences, which may stem from O’Brien’s outreach efforts to Republicans since taking office.
The political tides have been shifting for the Teamsters, especially after O’Brien’s appearance at the Republican National Convention. O’Brien, typically known for his pro-union rhetoric, intrigued many observers by praising Trump but stopped short of endorsing him during the event. He later criticized Trump’s comments on handling strikers, emphasizing the union’s commitment to its members’ right to protest and strike without fear of reprisals. This balancing act reflects the complex political maneuvering the union is engaging in as it navigates the current climate.
Despite O’Brien’s outreach to more populist characters within the Republican Party, he has also maintained connections within the Democratic camp. Notably, he addressed the Democratic National Convention but received no invitation to speak, indicating potential coldness from Democratic leadership following his embrace of GOP discourse. This has not deterred other labor unions, such as the AFL-CIO, from supporting Harris.
The political divisions inside the Teamsters reflect the broader struggles many labor organizations face as they attempt to reconcile divergent views among their members. Some segments of the union, such as the Teamsters National Black Caucus, have openly backed Harris and urged others within the union to do the same. James Curbeam, who leads this caucus, stated their disappointment at the overall board's decision and emphasized the importance of all voices being heard within the union's decision-making process.
Harris's campaign has sought to counter the Teamsters' central decision by spotlighting the endorsements received from other labor unions and local Teamsters chapters. A spokesperson for her campaign stated, "The Vice President's strong record on labor is evidenced by local endorsements from Teamsters across the country, and she continues to champion the working class." This is pertinent as local chapters appear to be taking matters differently than their national leadership, illustrating the political fractures within the union.
The stakes as the voters head toward the November 5 election remain high, with the Teamsters' traditional role as Democratic allies now under scrutiny. Should Harris secure the presidency, she committed to pursuing policies beneficial to the union members, emphasizing her history of working alongside workers through protests and standing firm on labor rights issues.
The Teamsters’ non-endorsement culminates years of fluctuated support within labor circles and holds significant ramifications for both presidential candidates. With labor's ability to influence voting patterns, especially among working-class citizens, the absence of the Teamsters backing could lead to unpredictable outcomes across key states. The internal disagreements about whom to support might reflect broader questions about the direction and priorities of labor unions as they address the rising challenges facing their members today.
Moving forward, both campaigns will need to address the unique dynamics of labor support as more unions engage with grassroots efforts to mobilize voters. The decision by the Teamsters could serve as either cautionary advice or galvanize other labor organizations to reconsider their own stances as the election approaches.
There's little doubt the Teamsters will continue to play a pivotal role leading up to the polls, even without the official endorsement. Their members may voice their preferences freely, yet the reverberations of this decision will echo through both Democratic and Republican circles as they strategize for the imminent election.
