Teamsters Decline to Endorse Biden or Trump

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a powerful labor union with 1.3 million members, has declined to endorse either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump for president.

• The union cited a lack of sufficient support from its members as the reason for not endorsing either candidate.
• Teamsters President Sean M. O'Brien said in a statement that neither candidate had made "serious commitments" to the union to ensure the interests of working people were prioritized over big business.

Biden and Harris's Support for Labor

Vice President Harris has a history of supporting organized labor, and her campaign spokesperson, Lauren Hitt, noted that dozens of retired Teamsters endorsed Harris at the Democratic National Convention.

• Hitt also highlighted that Harris has a "strong union record" and has stood with organized labor throughout her career.
• The Harris campaign pointed to the Butch Lewis Act, championed by President Biden and Harris, which saved the pensions of many Teamsters.

Trump's Appeal to Blue-Collar Workers

Despite his history of openly scorning unions at times, Trump has appealed to many white blue-collar workers.

• Trump's campaign has been quick to seize upon the Teamsters' internal polling that shows Trump has an advantage over Harris among union members.
• Trump called the Teamsters' decision not to endorse "a great honor," suggesting that it is a sign of the union's support for him.

Teamsters' Internal Division

The Teamsters' decision not to endorse reflects a deep division within the union over political identity and policy.

• Some members support Trump, while others support Harris, making it difficult for the union to reach a consensus on an endorsement.
• The union's decision not to endorse could be seen as a sign of its unwillingness to alienate any segment of its membership.

The Impact of the Decision on the Election

The Teamsters' lack of endorsement is significant as it could impact the outcome of the election.

• The union's resources and influence could be crucial in mobilizing voters in key states.
• By not endorsing either candidate, the Teamsters are essentially ceding some influence in the election.

The Future of the Teamsters and Organized Labor

The Teamsters' decision not to endorse could have implications for the future of organized labor.

• It could signal a growing disaffection among union members with both major political parties.
• It could also indicate a shift in the power dynamics between unions and political parties, with unions becoming more independent in their decision-making.