Local Teamsters Units Throw Support Behind Kamala Harris Despite National Union’s Silence
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), a powerful union representing over 1.2 million workers across the United States, made headlines this week by breaking with decades of tradition and declining to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election. This decision, driven by a perceived lack of commitment from both major party candidates to prioritize the interests of working families, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. However, this unprecedented move has not stopped individual Teamsters units from throwing their support behind Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
Key Takeaways:
- Local Teamsters units are defying the national union’s decision, endorsing Kamala Harris in greater numbers.
- Approximately 1 million Teamster-affiliated workers are represented by these local units, potentially injecting significant momentum into Harris’s campaign.
- The endorsements highlight the ongoing tension between the national union and its local chapters, with a potential ideological divide emerging.
- The Teamsters’ decision not to endorse a candidate sheds light on the increasing frustration of labor unions with both major political parties.
Local Units Embracing Harris’s Candidacy
Despite the national Teamsters union’s decision to remain neutral, local chapters across the country, including in key battleground states, have announced their endorsements of Vice President Harris.
Michigan Teamsters, led by President Kevin Moore, have unanimously endorsed Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, emphasizing the importance of supporting candidates who prioritize working families. Moore, who is set to make an appearance at a Harris campaign stop in the state, stated: "The Joint Council and Teamsters of Michigan know it’s too important for us to do a neutral endorsement… We’re going to do a full force endorsement for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz … our members are telling us that."
Teamsters Joint Council 39 in Wisconsin has also declared its support for Harris and Walz, representing 15,000 workers within the state. While acknowledging that some of its members support President Donald Trump, Joint Council 39 President Bill Carroll highlighted the lack of support from the Republican Party for organized labor and working families.
James P. Hoffa, president emeritus of the Teamsters and son of legendary union leader Jimmy Hoffa, has echoed the sentiment of local chapters, stating that the upcoming election is "too important for our union to not do its duty" and emphasizing Harris’s long-standing support for working families and unions.
A Shift in the Political Landscape?
The decision by the national Teamsters union not to endorse a candidate marks a significant shift in the political landscape, reflecting a growing sense of frustration and dissatisfaction with both major political parties. The union’s statement expressing disappointment with the lack of concrete commitments from either candidate highlights the evolving relationship between labor unions and traditional political alignments.
While the Teamsters have historically been associated with supporting Democratic candidates, their decision to remain neutral signals a potential dissatisfaction with the current political climate, particularly regarding economic policies and worker rights. The endorsements of Harris by various local units indicate a desire to promote candidates who demonstrate a stronger commitment to labor interests.
Impact on the Election and Implications for the Future:
The implications of the Teamsters’ decision and local units’ endorsements remain to be seen. While the national union has traditionally wielded significant political influence, the potential division between its national leadership and local chapters could have far-reaching consequences.
The endorsement of Harris could potentially inject new momentum into her campaign, particularly in key battleground states. However, it’s crucial to note that the Teamsters’ decision to remain neutral also reflects the diverse viewpoints within the union itself. A recent internal poll conducted by the Teamsters showed overwhelming support for President Trump among its members, despite earlier polls indicating majority support for President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the race.
The 2024 election is shaping up to be highly contested, with the outcome potentially setting the stage for future political dynamics. The ongoing discussions regarding labor issues and political allegiances within the Teamsters will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the national conversation.
