In a surprising move, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing over 1.3 million workers, has decided not to endorse a presidential candidate for the 2024 election. This marks the first time since 1996 that the influential labor union has abstained from making a formal endorsement.
The decision follows extensive internal discussions and polling which revealed a lack of compelling commitments from both major candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, on key labor issues. According to union President Sean O’Brien, neither candidate secured the necessary assurances on protecting union interests and workers’ rights.
Internal polling conducted after Joe Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Harris showed that 59.6% of Teamsters members preferred Trump, compared to 34% for Harris. This shift indicates a significant change in member sentiment, contrasting with earlier preferences for Biden.
The Teamsters’ choice not to endorse has sparked a range of responses. While some regional councils and grassroots groups within the union have publicly supported Harris, emphasizing her pro-labor stance, others have voiced frustration with the lack of a clear endorsement. The Teamsters National Black Caucus and several local councils in key battleground states have chosen to endorse Harris independently.
The Trump campaign has praised the poll results, seeing them as a positive signal of support from union members. In contrast, Harris’s campaign has highlighted ongoing backing from various Teamsters locals and criticized the decision as a setback.
The union’s decision reflects ongoing internal divisions and a complex political landscape as the 2024 election approaches, with the Teamsters balancing their historical ties to the Democratic Party against a shifting member base.
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