Wed Sep 18 19:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Teamsters Decline to Endorse in 2024 Presidential Race, Breaking with Tradition

**Las Vegas, NV** – In a surprising move, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest unions in the United States, has declined to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential race. This decision marks the first time since 1996 that the union has not thrown its weight behind a presidential candidate.

While the Teamsters have traditionally endorsed Democratic candidates, their decision this year stems from a perceived lack of commitment from both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on key issues affecting the union and its members.

The union expressed concern that neither candidate had made concrete pledges to refrain from government intervention in critical union campaigns and industries, specifically citing the 2022 forced labor agreement in the rail sector that prevented a strike.

While Vice President Harris pledged to sign the PRO Act, strengthening unionization rights, and Trump promised to veto right-to-work legislation, the Teamsters deemed these commitments insufficient to warrant an endorsement.

“Our members are the union, and their voices and opinions must be at the forefront of everything the Teamsters do,” said Teamsters President Sean O’Brien. “Our final decision around a possible Presidential endorsement will not be made lightly, but you can be sure it will be driven directly by our diverse membership.”

This decision comes despite internal polling that showed a plurality of Teamsters members favoring President Biden over Trump in a previous poll. However, subsequent polling conducted after Harris became the Democratic nominee indicated strong support for Trump among Teamsters members.

The Teamsters’ decision not to endorse could significantly impact the election, particularly in key battleground states like Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, where union membership is significant.

The Trump campaign seized on the polling data, highlighting the strong support for Trump among Teamsters members. Meanwhile, the Harris campaign emphasized her strong ties to organized labor and criticized Trump’s stance on labor issues.

Despite the national union’s stance, several joint councils representing active and retired Teamsters in key battleground states have publicly declared their support for Vice President Harris.

The Teamsters’ decision is likely to be closely scrutinized as the election approaches, and its impact on the race remains to be seen.

Read More