Following the release of internal polling that showed strong support for Donald Trump among its members, the Teamsters union announced on Wednesday that it will not endorse any candidate for the 2024 presidential election. This decision marks a shift from 2020 when the union backed Joe Biden.
In a press release, the union explained, “After six months of nationwide member polling and nearly a year of roundtable discussions with major presidential candidates, the union found little commitment to key Teamsters issues from both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Furthermore, no clear majority of support emerged among members for either party’s nominee.”
The statement noted that Biden had garnered more backing in early straw polls at local unions, but after Harris replaced Biden in the race, polling indicated that Trump had gained more support for a potential endorsement.
“The union’s comprehensive polling revealed no majority backing for Vice President Harris and no overwhelming support for President Trump among members,” the release added.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien expressed disappointment in the candidates’ inability to secure commitments to the union’s core concerns. “While we thank all candidates for meeting with members face-to-face during our unprecedented roundtables, neither Trump nor Harris committed to protecting workers’ rights or refraining from interference in key union campaigns and industries,” O’Brien said.
He emphasized the union’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the endorsement process, highlighting that members from all political affiliations—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents—deserve representation.
The union urged members to stay engaged in the political process and vote in the upcoming election, but made it clear that no candidate had earned the endorsement of the Teamsters International Union.
The press release also mentioned that during discussions with Trump and Harris, neither candidate made firm promises to avoid intervention in contracts governed by the Railway Labor Act (RLA), which the union sees as crucial for maintaining bargaining power.