The International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced on Wednesday that it will not endorse any presidential candidate for the 2024 election . This marks the first time in nearly 30 years that the union has refrained from making an endorsement, following internal polling that indicated a majority of its members favored former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris .
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien expressed disappointment, stating that neither candidate made serious commitments to prioritize the interests of working people. “We sought pledges from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries – and to honor our members’ right to strike – but were unable to secure those promises,” he explained.
The internal poll, conducted after President Joe Biden announced he would not run for re-election, revealed that approximately 60% of Teamsters members believed the union should endorse Trump, while 34% supported Harris. Around 6% indicated they favored another candidate.
Who Are the Teamsters?
The Teamsters are the largest and most diverse labor union in the United States, representing around 1.3 million members across various occupations. Founded in 1903, the union originated from the merger of two leading team driver associations, which sought to secure fair wages from corporations. Today, the Teamsters advocate for workers in numerous sectors, including public defense, agriculture, sanitation, brewing, healthcare, and more.
Historically, the Teamsters have supported every Democratic presidential candidate since Al Gore in 2000. They also endorsed Republican candidates Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush in the 1980s, with a notable abstention in the 1996 election when Bill Clinton faced Bob Dole.
The decision not to endorse any candidate this election cycle highlights a growing concern among union members about the commitment of political leaders to labor rights and worker protections.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien expressed disappointment, stating that neither candidate made serious commitments to prioritize the interests of working people. “We sought pledges from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries – and to honor our members’ right to strike – but were unable to secure those promises,” he explained.
The internal poll, conducted after President Joe Biden announced he would not run for re-election, revealed that approximately 60% of Teamsters members believed the union should endorse Trump, while 34% supported Harris. Around 6% indicated they favored another candidate.
Who Are the Teamsters?
The Teamsters are the largest and most diverse labor union in the United States, representing around 1.3 million members across various occupations. Founded in 1903, the union originated from the merger of two leading team driver associations, which sought to secure fair wages from corporations. Today, the Teamsters advocate for workers in numerous sectors, including public defense, agriculture, sanitation, brewing, healthcare, and more.
Historically, the Teamsters have supported every Democratic presidential candidate since Al Gore in 2000. They also endorsed Republican candidates Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush in the 1980s, with a notable abstention in the 1996 election when Bill Clinton faced Bob Dole.
The decision not to endorse any candidate this election cycle highlights a growing concern among union members about the commitment of political leaders to labor rights and worker protections.
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