The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has made the surprising decision not to endorse a candidate in the upcoming US presidential election. This move suggests a potential shift in support from the traditionally Democratic union towards Republican candidate Donald Trump. The union, which represents 1.3 million members including UPS drivers, railroad workers, and nurses, conducted a phone poll that revealed 58 percent of its members favored endorsing Trump, while only half as many supported Vice President Kamala Harris.
Union president Sean O’Brien explained the decision by stating that neither major candidate had made sufficient commitments to prioritize working people’s interests over those of big business. The union sought assurances from both Trump and Harris regarding their stance on critical union campaigns and core Teamsters industries but was unable to secure these pledges.
In contrast to the Teamsters’ decision, other major unions such as the United Auto Workers, United Steelworkers, and American Federation of Teachers quickly endorsed Harris after she launched her campaign. The Teamsters took a different approach by conducting roundtable-style meetings with candidates and internal polls in an effort to make their political activities more democratic.
This marks the first time in 28 years that the union has chosen not to endorse a candidate. In 2020, they endorsed Joe Biden and Harris but had previously supported a Republican candidate back in 1988.
The timing of this decision is notable as it comes just two days after Harris met with the union’s leadership behind closed doors in Washington. Trump had also met with Teamsters leaders earlier on his campaign trail in hopes of securing their endorsement.
Democrats and labor leaders have expressed concerns about Trump’s ability to appeal to working-class voters despite being seen by many union leaders as an enemy of labor movements. Recent polls indicate that rank-and-file members are more open to supporting Trump than they were during the previous election cycle when Biden held a significant lead among this demographic according to NBC exit polling data.
While some members criticized O’Brien for his involvement with Republicans – including speaking at their national convention last July – John Palmer, vice-president of international affairs for the Teamsters defended O’Brien’s decision-making process. Palmer accused those who voted against endorsing any candidate as pandering instead of telling ”the truth” about Trump’s history with labor unions.
The announcement is seen by some as an implicit endorsement for Trump according to Palmer who plans on challenging O’Brien for leadership within the union come 2026.
