The Teamsters Union has opted not to endorse a presidential candidate in the current election cycle. In a statement, Sean O’Brien, the union’s general president, expressed disappointment, stating that neither major candidate made adequate commitments to prioritize workers’ interests over corporate agendas. The union sought assurances from both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris regarding non-interference in vital union campaigns and the fundamental right of workers to strike, but those promises were not forthcoming.
A recent survey conducted by Lake Research Partners showed a notable inclination among Teamsters members, with 58% leaning toward Trump and 31% favoring Harris for an endorsement. However, the union’s leadership clarified that the lack of a clear majority for either candidate led to the decision not to endorse anyone.
O’Brien’s choice to break from the norm and address the Republican National Convention earlier this summer drew attention. In the week prior to this announcement, Harris had engaged with the Teamsters board, while Trump met with them earlier in the year. While the union acknowledged Harris’s commitment to signing the PRO Act, legislation aimed at strengthening union protections, they pointed out that neither candidate would agree to avoid intervening in railroad contract negotiations under the Railway Labor Act.
Trump also refrained from promising he would veto national right-to-work legislation should he return to the presidency, a sticking point for the union. Fred Zuckerman, the Teamsters’ general secretary-treasurer, emphasized that such right-to-work laws represent a critical concern for the union and should be a fundamental issue for any candidate courting union support.
The Teamsters’ decision highlights a broader struggle within the labor movement concerning political allegiances, particularly in an election marked by stark divisions. As the election approaches, the union’s leadership seems determined to hold candidates accountable to the needs and rights of working people, reflecting ongoing debates about the power dynamics between labor and big business in American politics.