The General Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has decided not to endorse any candidate for U.S. President following an extensive review of member feedback. This decision came after six months of polling and nearly a year of interviews with major presidential candidates. The union found that neither former President Donald Trump nor Vice President Kamala Harris provided significant commitments on key issues important to Teamsters members.
While Teamsters members showed some initial support for President Joe Biden in straw polls earlier in the year, subsequent polling from July to September revealed that a majority favored Trump for potential endorsement over Harris. The data indicated a lack of majority support for either candidate among the membership.
Sean M. O’Brien, General President of the Teamsters, expressed disappointment in the outcomes of discussions with both candidates. He noted that the union sought assurances regarding labor issues, including non-interference in union campaigns and the protection of workers’ rights to strike, but did not receive satisfactory commitments.
O’Brien emphasized the importance of transparency and inclusivity within the union, stating that it was crucial for the membership to guide the endorsement process. He urged all Teamsters members to participate in the upcoming election and to stay engaged politically, but conveyed that no candidate had garnered the union’s endorsement this election cycle.
The Teamsters also highlighted concerns about industry-specific issues faced by their members in the railroad and airline sectors, particularly regarding the Railway Labor Act, which restricts work stoppages. During discussions held with both Trump and Harris, commitments were not made to avoid government intervention in contract negotiations, which can diminish workers’ bargaining power.
While Harris committed to signing the PRO Act, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at enhancing union protections, Trump did not assure that he would veto national “right to work” laws if elected. Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman underscored the significance of standing against such laws, which they view as detrimental to labor unions.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents approximately 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.