The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has chosen not to endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential race, making it the only major union among the top ten in the nation to refrain from backing Vice President Kamala Harris.
In their statement, the Teamsters expressed concern over a lack of commitments to key issues affecting their members from both former President Donald Trump and Harris, noting that there was insufficient support among their membership for either nominee.
With a membership of approximately 1.3 million, the Teamsters represent a significant portion of transportation and public works employees in the U.S. Following the union’s decision, several local councils in crucial battleground states such as Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin announced their support for Harris.
Bill Carroll, President of Teamsters Joint Council 39 in Wisconsin, highlighted Harris’s contributions as Vice President in a pro-union administration, including her role in passing the Butch Lewis Act, which has safeguarded the pensions of over a million retirees. Carroll stated their commitment to mobilizing union members across the country to defeat Trump in the upcoming election.
Historically, the Teamsters have endorsed Democratic candidates since 1996, but their decision this time comes after a meeting with Harris earlier this week, following talks with Trump and President Biden. Teamsters President Sean O’Brien emphasized an open process for evaluating endorsements, inviting candidates to present their cases.
O’Brien indicated that issues discussed with Harris included the importance of passing the PRO Act to strengthen union rights, as well as concerns about government interference in strikes. Neither candidate committed to avoiding intervention in labor disputes, referencing a recent incident where President Biden signed legislation to prevent rail strikes.
Polling conducted earlier revealed a mix of opinions; while Biden had a slight lead over Trump among Teamsters voters, subsequent polls showed Trump gaining a significant advantage over Harris. The Trump campaign highlighted these results, emphasizing support among Teamsters members for the former president.
In response, a spokesperson for Harris reminded voters of her strong ties to labor, citing her past actions in solidarity with striking workers. Some Teamsters factions, such as the National Black Caucus, have voiced their disagreement with the executive board’s decision, endorsing Harris instead.
The Teamsters’ decision not to endorse could have ramifications in key states like Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, where union influence is strong. O’Brien has previously expressed a desire for the union to maintain independence from political parties, focusing on the interests of their membership.
This endorsement process, unique for the Teamsters, signals a shift in how the union approaches political affiliations, reflecting a diverse membership with varying opinions on candidates.