Teamsters Withhold Presidential Endorsement for First Time Since 1996 Amid Labor Disputes
September 19, 2024Harris has been addressing economic issues and advocating for labor rights, but her efforts may not be enough to secure the Teamsters' endorsement.
In a significant political shift, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has decided not to endorse either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump for the upcoming presidential election, marking the first time since 1996 that the union has withheld its endorsement.
This decision comes just weeks before the November 5 election and contrasts sharply with earlier endorsements from other major unions, such as the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers, which have backed Harris.
Internal polling revealed that approximately 60% of Teamsters members supported Trump, while 34% backed Harris, prompting Trump's campaign to emphasize this advantage.
Teamsters President Sean O'Brien emphasized that the absence of an endorsement should signal to candidates the need to better support union interests in future elections.
Harris's efforts to win over O'Brien may have been complicated by Trump's previous anti-union comments, which could sway union members.
The lack of endorsement reflects a division within the union, with some members supporting Trump despite the leadership's historical ties to Democrats, indicating broader national political divides.
The union sought commitments from both Trump and Harris regarding non-interference in union campaigns and the right to strike but did not receive satisfactory responses.
While Biden has historically strong union support, Harris lacks a long history with unions compared to him, which may have influenced the Teamsters' decision.
In response to the Teamsters' non-endorsement, a grassroots group called Teamsters Against Trump has announced plans to campaign for Harris.
Dissent within the Teamsters regarding political donations has surfaced, with some members expressing support for Trump despite the union's leadership backing Democratic candidates.
Both candidates have been actively courting union support, with Harris focusing on key battleground states like Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where local unions have shown support for her.
Summary based on 22 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Sep 18, 2024
Teamsters Won’t Endorse a Candidate for President in 2024The Guardian • Sep 18, 2024
Teamsters decline to endorse election candidate – but claim majority backs TrumpTime • Sep 19, 2024
Teamsters Union Declines to Endorse Trump or Harris for PresidentCNBC • Sep 18, 2024
Teamsters will not endorse Harris or Trump in 2024 presidential election