The endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in the 2024 presidential election is still up in the air following this week’s Democratic convention, leaving political observers and union members alike speculating about which way the influential labor group will lean.
The Teamsters have a history of waiting until after the party conventions to announce their endorsements, a tradition that underscores the importance of the recent Democratic gathering in shaping their decision.
The Teamsters’ spokesperson, Kara Deniz, highlighted that the union is in the midst of a thorough endorsement process. This process includes ongoing member polling and a planned roundtable discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris, which has yet to be scheduled.
The Teamsters’ endorsement process reflects the union’s effort to ensure workers’ voices are heard on both sides of the political spectrum
Deniz stressed that the Teamsters’ endorsement will be a result of a “deliberative, thoughtful, and engaging” process, ensuring that the voices of the union’s members are directly involved in the decision. Despite the union’s previous support for Democratic candidates, including their endorsement of the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien has made headlines with his unconventional approach this election cycle.
O’Brien reached out to both the Republican and Democratic national committees, requesting speaking slots at their conventions. This move was met with huge scrutiny, especially after O’Brien’s appearance at the Republican National Convention. During his speech, he criticized “elites” whose primary loyalty, he claimed, is to corporate balance sheets, a stance that stirred controversy among many.
O’Brien’s decision to address the Republican convention was a departure from the norm and sparked internal debate within the union. His speech also led to Vice President At-Large John Palmer announcing his intention to challenge O’Brien for the presidency of the Teamsters in the next election cycle. Palmer argued that attending the Republican convention was a misstep, suggesting that those who support the Republican agenda are unlikely to support union interests.
Polling conducted by Democratic pollsters for the Teamsters political department revealed mixed reactions from the membership. A huge majority—68 percent—believed it was important for O’Brien to speak at both parties’ conventions, while only 11 percent opposed his appearance at the Republican event.
Deniz emphasized the importance of engaging with both parties to ensure that the union’s issues are addressed comprehensively, reflecting a broader desire to change the polarized political landscape with a balanced approach.
O’Brien’s comments on the Republican stage included praise for Trump, whom he described as “one tough SOB,” but he later criticized Trump’s suggestion of firing striking workers during an interview with Elon Musk, denouncing it as “economic terrorism.” This criticism added another layer of complexity to the Teamsters’ endorsement deliberations.
The Democratic convention this week did not feature O’Brien, which he suggested was due to “corporate elitists,” though he also humorously speculated that his invitation might have been lost in the mail. His remarks on this issue underscored the tensions between the union and the Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, Teamsters’ priorities include opposition to a national “right to work” law and support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which seeks to enhance workers’ rights to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. The PRO Act has garnered support in Congress, with 217 co-sponsors in the House and 48 in the Senate, though it has faced limited Republican backing.
Kamala Harris has voiced strong support for the PRO Act, pledging to advance it and combat union-busting practices. However, the Trump campaign has not commented on his stance regarding these policies. As the election approaches, the Teamsters’ endorsement will be crucial in determining the extent of union support for either candidate.
An endorsement from the Teamsters, the largest union in the country, could impact the electoral landscape. It would enhance Trump’s competitiveness among organized labor or solidify Harris’s advantage if she secures their backing. Major unions and labor groups, including the United Auto Workers and AFL-CIO, have already endorsed Harris, but the Teamsters’ decision remains a pivotal factor in the race.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized that Trump has made efforts to connect with union leaders, framing the GOP as the party of working families. Despite this, a formal endorsement would be more influential if accompanied by substantial political organizing or financial support. As Deniz noted, the ultimate goal for the Teamsters is to ensure that workers’ issues remain in the spotlight, regardless of the endorsement outcome.
