In a notable split within the Teamsters Union, West Coast chapters have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. This move contrasts with the national Teamsters leadership, which chose not to endorse any candidate, citing concerns about labor protections. The divide reflects varying priorities within the union, especially concerning labor reforms and autonomous vehicle policies in California.
West Coast Teamsters Endorse Kamala Harris
On September 18, 2024, West Coast Teamsters, representing 300,000 members in California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam, announced their endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president. The endorsement came just minutes after the national Teamsters leadership opted not to endorse any candidate. This endorsement highlights a significant divide between regional and national leadership within the influential union, which has historically played a key role in shaping labor policy.
National Teamsters Decline to Endorse
Earlier the same day, the national Teamsters leadership released a statement explaining their decision not to endorse any candidate. The national president, Sean O’Brien, pointed out that neither Harris nor her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, had made firm commitments to protect critical union campaigns or industries. O’Brien emphasized that the union needed guarantees from both candidates that labor interests would be prioritized over corporate interests, which he felt were lacking.
West Coast Chapters Focus on Labor Protections
Despite the national union’s decision, Teamsters Joint Councils 7 and 42 in the West Coast region voiced their strong support for Harris, citing her record of supporting labor rights and worker protections. The councils pointed to Harris’s backing of the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and her alignment with policies that benefit workers in both urban and rural areas. The endorsement also emphasized the union’s unity in the face of political and corporate opposition.
Tension Over California’s Autonomous Vehicle Policies
One of the driving forces behind the split between the West Coast Teamsters and national leadership is California’s policies on autonomous vehicles. The West Coast Teamsters, led by Peter Finn, have been vocal in their opposition to the potential job losses that could result from the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology. Finn went as far as to compare California Governor Gavin Newsom’s support of the autonomous vehicle industry to Trump’s policies, accusing Newsom of prioritizing big tech over working-class interests.
Historical Labor Support at Stake
The Teamsters Union, traditionally a strong ally of Democratic candidates, holds considerable influence in key battleground states, particularly in industries like automotive and warehousing. Harris’s recent meetings with the Teamsters aimed to reinforce her support from this critical voting bloc. However, the split between the West Coast chapters and national leadership highlights differing views within the union on how best to protect workers’ rights, particularly in light of emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles.
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