The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has chosen not to endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential election, making it the only major union not to back Vice President Kamala Harris. The union expressed that there were insufficient commitments on key issues from both Harris and former President Donald Trump, and reported a lack of strong support among members for either candidate.
With approximately 1.3 million members, including many in transportation and public works, the Teamsters hold significant influence. Following the union’s decision, several joint councils representing both active and retired Teamsters in pivotal states such as Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin voiced their support for Harris. Bill Carroll, President of Teamsters Joint Council 39 in Wisconsin, highlighted Harris’s collaboration with unions to pass the Butch Lewis Act, which has preserved pensions for many retirees. He stated their intention to unite with other unions to defeat Trump in the upcoming election.
Historically, the Teamsters have endorsed Democratic candidates since 1996. However, they last backed a Republican nominee in 1988 with George H.W. Bush, having also supported Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon in past elections. The union noted that both candidates had not committed to avoiding interference in key union activities or respecting the right to strike, referencing past government interventions during labor disputes.
Despite a lack of national endorsement, Harris has committed to signing the PRO Act to bolster unionization efforts, while Trump has not ruled out vetoing “right to work” legislation. Teamsters President Sean O’Brien implemented a roundtable process for endorsement considerations, engaging with major candidates, including Trump and Biden. After Harris took the Democratic nominee spot, she met with Teamsters leadership to address similar concerns raised in discussions with other candidates.
O’Brien stated he withheld endorsement until he could meet Harris, reiterating the importance of member input in determining the union’s stance. Polling indicates a shift in member support, with Trump receiving more backing than Harris in recent surveys. The Trump campaign highlighted these numbers, asserting a preference among rank-and-file Teamsters for a return of Trump to the presidency.
In response, a spokesperson for Harris emphasized her support for organized labor and her commitment to advocating for Teamsters members. Some Teamsters factions, like the National Black Caucus, have endorsed Harris despite the overall board’s decision, suggesting a divide in opinions within the union.
The Teamsters’ endorsement decision is expected to impact crucial battleground states in the upcoming election. O’Brien has recently taken a standout position, articulating a vision for the union that is not tied to any political party, and emphasizing collaboration across the political spectrum to advocate for labor interests.