The Teamsters International, a prominent U.S. transportation workers union representing over 1.3 million members, has decided not to endorse a candidate in the upcoming presidential election. However, polling data from the union suggests that the majority of its members favor Donald Trump over Kamala Harris.
Before Joe Biden exited the race in 2023, polling showed that union members preferred Biden over Trump, with 44.3% supporting Biden and 36.3% backing Trump. After Biden's withdrawal and subsequent endorsement of Harris, polling indicated a shift, with 59.6% of Teamsters members supporting Trump compared to 34% for Harris.
This marks the first time since 1996 that the union has chosen not to make an election endorsement. Since 2000, the Teamsters have consistently endorsed Democratic candidates. The decision follows increased scrutiny of union president Sean O’Brien, who became the first Teamsters leader to speak at the Republican National Convention in July.
John Palmer, the Teamsters’ vice-president-at-large, criticized O’Brien's appearance at the convention, calling it "unconscionable" given Trump’s history of opposing labor unions. O’Brien defended the union's neutral stance, stating that neither Trump nor Harris made significant commitments to prioritize the interests of working people over big business or to protect workers' right to strike.
During a vote by the union's board, 14 members opted not to endorse a candidate, while 3 voted in favor of endorsing Harris, with none supporting Trump. Palmer, who supported endorsing Harris, described the decision to remain neutral as "cowardice."
In contrast, the Teamsters National Black Caucus endorsed Harris last month, and a grassroots group, Teamsters Against Trump, announced plans to intensify efforts to campaign for Harris in response to the union’s decision not to endorse.
Post a Comment