In a surprising twist, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has refused to endorse a presidential candidate despite major internal support for Donald Trump.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters found itself at a pivotal crossroads as the 2024 presidential election approached. Known for their traditional leanings towards Democratic candidates, the union this time conducted an internal poll to gauge member interests, which revealed a stunning preference for former President Donald Trump.
The Daily Caller reported that despite the internal poll results showing overwhelming support for Trump, union leaders have decided to withhold endorsement for any candidate this election cycle.
The poll conducted among the Teamsters presented a clear divide in candidate preference, with 59.6% of the respondents favoring Trump, starkly outpacing the 31% who backed Vice President Kamala Harris. This significant gap underscored the surprising partisan shift within the union's rank-and-file members.
The follow-up to this survey was carried out shortly after the presidential debate on September 10, offering timely insights into the members' sentiments.
Despite the overwhelming preference for Trump among its members, the Teamsters leadership cited several critical reasons for their decision to withhold a formal endorsement. Their reservations stemmed from both Trump’s and Harris's responses during crucial discussions with the union. In negotiations that were secretive but crucial, both candidates failed to make definitive commitments to the union’s core demands.
During the negotiation phase, the union had expressed clear stipulations. They sought commitments to veto any right-to-work legislation and to protect unionized industries, among other things.
Trump’s refusal to unequivocally commit to vetoing such legislation played a major role in the union’s decision to withhold their endorsement. This stymied an otherwise favorable tilt towards Trump due to his significant member support.
Union leaders also held a dialogue with Harris, aiming to solidify support and secure commitments that aligned with their priorities.
Unfortunately, despite the discussions, adequate assurances were not provided. Sean O'Brien, the Teamsters General President, later expressed dissatisfaction with both candidates, noting their failures to prioritize workers' rights and union interests significantly.
The interaction between the union and the two major political parties this election cycle also highlighted a strategic shift. The Teamsters made an unexpected move by donating to the Republican National Committee, a gesture underscoring their intent to engage with both sides of the aisle.
O'Brien’s participation in the Republican National Convention contrasted with the Democratic convention's decision to exclude him from speaking, marked a pivotal moment in the union's political maneuvering.
The union’s proactive approach included not only polls and donations but also public displays of support. A rally held on November 7, 2022, in Madison, Wisconsin, underscored their ongoing support for Democratic candidates, despite the complexities of the current political climate.
O’Brien made a poignant remark to reporters about the union’s diverse representation, which extends across a wide spectrum of professions, from airline pilots to zookeepers, and integrates members from various political backgrounds. This diversity makes the endorsement decisions all the more complex and significant.
As the 2024 election nears, the Teamsters’ decision to withhold an endorsement sends a powerful message about the need for candidates to more strongly align with the labor movement's goals.
The union emphasizes the importance of commitments that prioritize workers over large corporations and protect the fundamental rights to organize and strike.