The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a union representing over 1.3 million workers across the United States, has announced that it will not endorse any candidate for the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. This decision marks a significant departure from the union’s past practice of endorsing presidential candidates.
The General Executive Board of the Teamsters, after receiving “few commitments” on critical union issues from both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, decided against offering an endorsement. The union specifically sought commitments from both candidates to refrain from interfering in critical union campaigns and core Teamsters industries, and to respect the right of union members to strike. Unfortunately, the union was unable to secure these pledges from either candidate.
In addition to lacking these specific commitments, the Teamsters also found no clear consensus among its members in favor of either the Democratic or Republican nominee. While an internal poll conducted between July and September revealed that a majority of voting members (59.6%) preferred Trump over Harris for a possible Teamsters endorsement, the union ultimately decided against endorsing either candidate.
The Teamsters Union’s decision to refrain from endorsing a candidate is noteworthy, especially considering its history of actively participating in presidential elections. The union had previously endorsed President Joe Biden in 2020, as well as Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. Prior to 2000, the Teamsters endorsed Republican candidates, including Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon.
Despite the Teamsters’ decision, other major unions have already announced their endorsements for Vice President Harris. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union endorsed Harris in July, followed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
The Teamsters’ decision to not endorse a candidate highlights the growing divide between labor unions and the political landscape. It remains to be seen what impact this decision will have on the upcoming election, and whether other unions will follow suit.
