Union Leader O'Brien Abstains from Endorsing Any Presidential Contender, as Local Units Show Signs of Rebellion
In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, the Teamsters union, known for its traditional support for Democratic candidates, has decided not to endorse a candidate this time around. However, a significant shift has occurred, with Vice President Kamala Harris garnering the backing of several key Teamsters locals and a number of influential groups within the union.
On the one hand, Teamsters President Sean O'Brien spoke at the Republican National Convention, endorsing President Trump for the 2024 election. This decision has sparked opposition within the union, leading to the formation of the 'Teamsters Against Trump' effort. The opposition has gained traction, particularly in the wake of O'Brien's objections to the endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris by the Teamsters National Black Caucus, more than a half-dozen Teamsters locals, and members of the union's national leadership.
Despite the lack of a formal endorsement from the Teamsters union, Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the support of ten of the ten largest unions in the country, including the A.F.L.-C.I.O., which represents about ten times the number of workers in the Teamsters union. This support stems from Harris's backing of the American Rescue Plan, particularly its measure for a huge bailout of pension plans, a priority for Teamsters leaders.
Recent days have seen several Teamsters locals, including Local 25 in Boston and Local 714 in Los Angeles, endorse Kamala Harris for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. This trend has continued, with union locals in Michigan and Wisconsin following suit.
Vice President Kamala Harris has also been proactive in addressing the concerns of the Teamsters union, imploring officials to tell members that she had backed a bipartisan border security bill in the Senate. However, this bill was later killed at the behest of President Trump.
In a straw poll among Teamsters, Joe Biden had a plurality, winning 44% to Trump's 36%. Despite this, the race for the Teamsters' endorsement remains fluid, with the union's national leadership yet to make a formal endorsement.
As the election approaches, the Teamsters union's decision not to endorse a candidate has created a complex landscape, with key constituents divided and candidates vying for their support. The outcome of this dynamic could significantly impact the election results.
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