Teamsters Won’t Give Union Endorsement to Trump and Harris

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For the first time in nearly three decades, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of America's largest and most influential labor unions, has decided to sit out the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This significant move comes after internal polling revealed a stark division among its members, with a majority leaning toward former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. The decision not to endorse reflects the union's broader challenge: how to align with the preferences of its diverse membership base, many of whom are still undecided.

The Teamsters' Internal Poll: A Split Membership

The Teamsters conducted an internal poll after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, revealing that roughly 60% of its members preferred Trump, while 34% supported Harris. About 6% of members said they backed another candidate. This data showcased not only Trump’s strong standing among rank-and-file workers but also Harris’ struggle to gain traction with this crucial voting bloc.

Despite multiple meetings with both Trump and Harris, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien noted that neither candidate committed to key union priorities. The union had sought assurances regarding critical labor rights, including the right to strike and non-interference in union campaigns. However, both campaigns fell short of providing satisfactory guarantees, leading to the unprecedented decision not to endorse a candidate.

The last time the Teamsters refrained from endorsing a presidential candidate was in 1996. Since then, the union had reliably endorsed Democratic nominees, including Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. The decision to withhold support this year represents a shift, particularly given the union’s historical alignment with Democratic candidates.

A Look Back: Major Groups That Withheld Endorsements

While the Teamsters’ decision is notable, it isn’t without precedent. Several other major organizations have withheld endorsements in past U.S. elections:

• United Auto Workers (UAW) – 2016: The UAW, another prominent union, withheld its endorsement until late in the 2016 election cycle due to concerns over Hillary Clinton's trade policies. The union was divided between supporting Clinton and Bernie Sanders during the Democratic primary.
• American Federation of Teachers (AFT) – 1972: In the 1972 presidential election, the AFT chose not to endorse any candidate after internal divisions emerged between supporting George McGovern or maintaining neutrality due to McGovern’s perceived weaknesses against Richard Nixon.
• National Rifle Association (NRA) – 2008: While the NRA is not a union, it’s one of the most influential political organizations in the U.S. The NRA notably withheld an early endorsement in the 2008 presidential race, refraining from backing John McCain until just before the election, due to disagreements over his support for certain gun control measures.

The decision by the Teamsters to remain neutral this election cycle mirrors past situations where organizations grappled with internal division and a lack of alignment with any candidate’s platform.

Reactions From Both Campaigns

Unsurprisingly, both the Trump and Harris campaigns reacted to the Teamsters' decision with differing levels of enthusiasm. From the Trump campaign, the reaction was predictably celebratory. Trump, speaking at a campaign stop in New York City, emphasized the significance of the union’s decision not to endorse a Democrat, remarking, “It’s a great honor. They’re not going to endorse the Democrats. That’s a big thing.”

Meanwhile, the Harris campaign worked to minimize the impact of the non-endorsement. Campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt underscored the Vice President’s strong ties to organized labor, pointing to the overwhelming support Harris has received from other major unions, including local Teamsters chapters in key swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin. Harris herself has been an active supporter of union strikes and walked picket lines on several occasions, which the campaign highlighted as evidence of her pro-labor stance.

However, some members within the Teamsters questioned the leadership’s neutrality. James “Curb” Curbeam, a prominent figure within the Teamsters’ National Black Caucus, criticized President O’Brien, suggesting that the leadership lacked the courage to push back against Trump. He also expressed doubts about the accuracy of the internal poll, questioning the polling methodology.

Is Neutrality a Good Thing for the Union? 

The Teamsters’ neutrality in this election is significant for several reasons. First, it leaves a powerful voter bloc up for grabs in key battleground states, where the union’s influence can be decisive. In past elections, the Teamsters played a pivotal role in swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania — all of which were critical in Trump’s 2016 victory and Biden’s 2020 win.

Additionally, the lack of endorsement raises questions about the broader labor movement's alignment with the Democratic Party. While Biden had long enjoyed strong union support, Harris faces a more fractured landscape. This development also underscores Trump’s efforts to make inroads with blue-collar workers, a strategy that could pay dividends in the upcoming election.

In conclusion, the Teamsters' decision not to endorse a candidate marks a major shift in labor politics and introduces uncertainty into an already contentious race. The implications for both campaigns are significant, as both Trump and Harris now face the challenge of appealing to a union that has traditionally leaned Democratic but remains divided on who best represents the interests of American workers.

Do you agree with the Teamsters’ decision not to give union endorsement to either candidate? Tell us what you think.

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