Teamsters Decline to Endorse Any Presidential Candidate for First Time In Decades

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As someone who has witnessed the ebb and flow of labor politics throughout my years as a dedicated Teamster, I find myself intrigued by this year’s unusual turn of events. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ decision to withhold an endorsement from both major presidential candidates feels like a bold move, one that echoes the spirit of change that has been sweeping through our union ever since Sean O’Brien took the reins.

This year, for the first time in over two decades (since 1996), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has chosen not to back any U.S. presidential candidate.

3 million members of the union made public their long-awaited decision from the executive board on Wednesday. In the statement, IBT general president Sean O’Brien criticized both Republican contender Donald Trump and Democratic contender Kamala Harris for not making substantial promises to protect the interests of labor unions over Big Business. As a result, he declared that in 2024, no presidential candidate has yet secured the union’s endorsement.

Specifically, O’Brien pointed out, the candidates didn’t make a commitment to stay out of industries represented by the Teamsters or their campaigns. In 2022, Congress intervened during contract negotiations to prevent a nationwide railroad strike, and as a result, around 100,000 railroad workers represented by the union were compelled to accept a new contract imposed by Congress without their support, according to the union’s argument. Furthermore, the general president stated that the candidates didn’t vow to uphold their members’ right to go on strike.

The union announced their choice following the disclosure of data from their internal surveys among members. These surveys showed that during the U.S. presidential race, a majority (44.3%) favored Joe Biden over Trump (36.3%). However, when Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee, polls conducted electronically revealed that Trump garnered more support (59.6%) compared to Harris (34%). Similar trends were observed in straw polls, with Trump receiving 58% backing and Harris getting 31%.

This year’s choice breaks a series of Teamsters backing Democratic presidential nominees, which started with the 2000 election.

2021 saw O’Brien, now IBT general president, triumph over long-standing president James P. Hoffa in elections. From the start of this year’s contest, O’Brien expressed his desire for a change in approach. This stance stirred debate within his union. In the course of 2021, O’Brien held meetings with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and the Teamsters’ D.C. headquarters, making him the first Teamsters president to address the Republican National Convention. Despite this, an invitation to speak at the Democratic National Convention was not offered, according to O’Brien; however, Harris met with union leaders on Monday in a bid to secure their backing.

Harris has earned the support of numerous well-known American labor organizations, such as the United Auto Workers, the American Federation of Teachers, United Food and Commercial Workers International, and the United Steelworkers. Additionally, entertainment unions like Actors’ Equity Association, Writers Guild of America West, and the American Federation of Musicians have also endorsed her. In contrast, Trump has secured endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police and other law enforcement groups.

A few Teamsters Local unions have chosen to deviate from the international’s position by supporting Harris. We reached out to two significant Teamsters Locals that cater to drivers, casting directors, location professionals, and other entertainment industry workers, namely Local 399 and Local 817, for their thoughts on the matter.

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2024-09-18 23:57