The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has decided not to endorse any presidential candidate for the upcoming 2024 election, delivering a blow to Vice President Kamala Harris. The decision, made Wednesday, comes as a significant development considering the union’s influence among working-class voters in battleground states. The union, which represents over a million members, cited a lack of consensus among its membership.
Teamsters Non-Endorsement Hurts Harris
The Teamsters’ non-endorsement is notable given the Biden administration’s strong pro-union stance over the past four years. The union’s President Sean M. O’Brien stated that neither Harris nor former President Donald Trump made substantial commitments to labor interests, such as protecting workers’ right to strike or avoiding interference in union campaigns.
“We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris… but were unable to secure those pledges,” said O’Brien.
In a 14-3 vote, the union’s executive board opted for no endorsement. The decision marks a rare move in presidential elections, signaling a divide among the union’s leadership and rank-and-file members.
Harris and Local Teamsters React
Despite the setback, some local Teamsters groups have voiced support for Harris. Gregory Floyd, vice president at-large and leader of a New York City-based local, acknowledged his chapter’s backing for Harris. He also pointed out the union’s mixed political stance, adding, “The Teamsters are more conservative than other unions… we’re to the left of the building trades and to the right of everyone else.”
Harris, during her roundtable with Teamsters, remained confident, saying, “I’m going to win without the Teamsters endorsement but I would love to have it,” a sentiment met with a standing ovation. Her campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt emphasized Harris’ strong labor record, citing her past support for striking workers.
Trump Gains Support from Rank-and-File
On the other side, former President Trump is faring well with the union’s membership. An internal survey showed that nearly 60 percent of respondents supported Trump, despite his controversial comments last month advocating the firing of striking workers. Trump welcomed the union’s non-endorsement, calling it “a great honor” and claiming that the decision reflects strong support from the working class.
The non-endorsement has already sparked dissent within the union. Richard Hooker, leader of Teamsters Local 623 in Philadelphia, criticized the decision as “mind-boggling,” emphasizing Trump’s historically anti-labor stance. “Trump has demonstrated his whole entire life on what labor means to him,” Hooker said.
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