The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest labor unions in the U.S., has announced that it will not be endorsing any candidate in the upcoming presidential election. This decision breaks with decades of precedent, as the union has endorsed the Democratic candidate in every election since 2000. The Teamsters cited a lack of serious commitments to the interests of working people from both major candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, as the reason for not endorsing either.
While polling showed a preference for Trump among members, there was no “universal support” for either candidate. The Trump campaign highlighted this as a sign of overwhelming support for the former president among union members, while Harris’ spokesperson pointed out the vice president’s strong union record and endorsement from local Teamsters chapters.
The decision by the Teamsters to not endorse a candidate comes in the midst of both parties courting organized labor ahead of the election. President Sean O’Brien’s decision to speak at the Republican National Convention sparked controversy among labor experts, with some questioning the wisdom of aligning with a party historically hostile to unions. The union also attempted to secure a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention but was unsuccessful.
While the Teamsters have a history of supporting Democratic candidates, they have also endorsed Republicans in the past, including Ronald Reagan in 1984. The decision not to endorse any candidate this year shows the union’s commitment to ensuring that the interests of working people are prioritized, regardless of party affiliation.
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