The International Brotherhood of the Teamsters, a prominent union with 1.3 million members spanning various industries, is on the brink of making a crucial endorsement decision in the current presidential election cycle. After engaging in roundtable discussions with all three presidential candidates, the union is expected to announce its endorsement as early as Wednesday.
While several major unions have already thrown their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, including the United Auto Workers and the AFL-CIO, the Teamsters' endorsement remains pending, making it a significant decision in the labor landscape.
Sean O’Brien, the president of the Teamsters, drew attention for his participation in the Republican National Convention, a move that raised eyebrows within the union. O’Brien had also sought a speaking slot at the Democratic convention but only received the opportunity to engage with Harris and Teamsters members.
During the summer, O’Brien criticized former President Donald Trump's stance on firing striking workers, indicating a divergence in views between the union and the administration.
The decision-making process within the Teamsters involves consultations with the executive board and analysis of internal polling data to gauge member sentiment towards the candidates.
Earlier speculations had hinted at the possibility of the union remaining neutral in the election, a departure from its traditional endorsement practices over the past three decades.
Both Trump and Harris have engaged with the Teamsters, with Trump participating in a roundtable discussion in January and Harris meeting with rank-and-file members in Washington, DC. Following her interaction with the union, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to pro-union policies, emphasizing her track record of supporting and empowering union workers.
In a statement issued by her campaign, Harris highlighted her dedication to championing labor rights and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the Teamsters leadership.
