The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has decided not to endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential election, marking the first time in decades the union has abstained from presidential endorsements. This decision follows extensive consultations, including rank-and-file roundtables with major candidates and months of member polling.
Internal surveys revealed that a majority of Teamsters members favored former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, with Trump receiving 59% of the support compared to Harris’s 34%. However, neither candidate secured the union’s endorsement due to their failure to commit to key Teamsters issues such as not interfering in union campaigns or core industries and supporting the right to strike.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien expressed gratitude to all candidates for their participation but noted the lack of serious commitments to support working people over “Big Business.” He emphasized the union’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in representing its diverse membership. Additionally, the union criticized both candidates for not promising to oppose restrictive labor laws like the “right to work” legislation, which the Teamsters view as detrimental to labor unions.
The union encourages its members to vote in the upcoming election and remain politically engaged.
