Thu Sep 19 14:26:58 UTC 2024: ## Teamsters Members Express Frustration as Union Remains Neutral in 2024 Election

**Washington, D.C.** – A growing number of union members are voicing their displeasure with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ decision to remain neutral in the 2024 presidential election. While the union announced it would not endorse any candidate, internal polling revealed overwhelming support for former President Donald Trump among its rank-and-file.

J.W. Paine, a truck driver and Teamsters member, expressed disappointment, claiming the union’s leadership is “not listening” to its members. “Our brothers and sisters stood up and voted for having Donald Trump as our candidate,” Paine stated. “It really saddens me that they are not listening to us.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Rudy Melendez, a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Melendez noted that many rank-and-file members in his union, representing Hollywood’s backstage crew, are also supporting Trump. “I’m definitely seeing it in my union,” Melendez said. “We’re seeing the rank-and-file in support of Trump. Families, moms, and union laborers have lost so much in the last three and a half years, and I think that’s why they are supporting Trump in 2024.”

Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has also criticized the union’s neutrality, questioning the motives of Teamsters president Sean O’Brien. Paine responded to these criticisms by emphasizing the union’s history of supporting Democrats, but highlighting that this support comes with an expectation of reciprocal action. “When the Democrats need help, they call the Teamsters and all the unions,” Paine said. “We never ask them for anything except to allow us to have good jobs.”

The Teamsters’ neutrality in the upcoming election has sparked a debate within the union, with many members feeling their voices are not being heard. It remains to be seen how this internal discord will impact the union’s future and its relationship with the Democratic Party.

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