U.S. President Joe Biden delivers an address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on July 14, 2024. Erin Schaff/Pool via REUTERS
Biden at Risk of Losing Key Labor Endorsement from Teamsters Union
President Joe Biden faces the potential loss of a significant labor endorsement as the leaders of the 1.3 million-member Teamsters union are considering not endorsing any candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential race, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The decision by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is not yet finalized and is expected in the coming weeks.
Failing to secure the endorsement of the Teamsters, who supported Biden in the 2020 election, would exacerbate the political challenges for the Democratic president’s re-election campaign. While a Teamsters endorsement for Republican candidate Donald Trump appears improbable, sources indicate that internal divisions might lead the union to withhold support from any candidate, a scenario not seen since 1996.
Following a lackluster performance in a presidential debate on June 27, President Biden has faced increasing calls from lawmakers and donors to step aside due to concerns about his re-election prospects and his capacity to serve another four-year term. Some allies believe that the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump might reduce these calls, although skepticism remains among other Democrats.
Despite initially considering the Teamsters endorsement as almost certain, Biden’s team now faces eroding relations and growing concerns about the president’s political stamina among some union leaders. The union represents workers in sectors ranging from trucking to manufacturing and office work.
Kara Deniz, a spokesperson for the Teamsters, emphasized that no final decision has been made, and any speculation on the outcome is premature. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain recently met with the union’s executive board to discuss doubts about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday night but does not yet have a speaking slot at the Democratic convention in August. O’Brien reached out to both the Democratic and Republican national committees to speak at their conventions, but only received a response from the Republicans, according to Deniz.
A Democratic convention spokesperson stated that no final programming decisions have been made but emphasized the convention’s focus on highlighting stories of labor and union leaders, showcasing President Biden’s pro-union record.
The Teamsters, established in 1903, endorsed Biden in 2020 and previously supported Democrats Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, although they have endorsed Republican candidates in earlier elections.
Tensions with Biden’s administration have escalated in recent months. On one significant issue, O’Brien’s request for an Oval Office meeting to discuss the bankruptcy of trucking giant Yellow Corp and its 30,000 union jobs was denied, according to one source.
These frustrations were further compounded by calls from some Democratic lawmakers and donors for Biden to withdraw from the race post-debate, suggesting the need for another candidate.
Working-class groups were pivotal in Biden’s 2020 victory in key states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. Union groups are essential for Democratic campaigns, providing voter mobilization, volunteers, and financial support, and in return, they seek policies that promote union jobs, higher wages, and enhanced collective bargaining rights. Biden’s administration has taken steps such as a $36 billion bailout of a union pension fund, safeguarding the income of over 350,000 Teamsters union workers and retirees.
Within many unions, there is a divide between rank-and-file workers and their leadership regarding support for Democrats, with Trump actively seeking to gain workers’ support. The Teamsters have conducted roundtables with both Trump and Biden and hosted numerous local events to gauge worker opinions on the race.
Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for Biden’s campaign, highlighted the broad union support for Biden, attributing it to his record of delivering results for working families. He contrasted this with Trump’s focus on benefiting wealthy donors and himself, asserting that Biden remains a champion for working people regardless of their voting choices.
O’Brien has indicated that the union will likely decide on an endorsement after conducting polling and following the conclusion of the parties’ conventions next month.
COMMENTS