Teamsters union

Will Teamsters Actually March to the Beat of Their Own Drum in 2024?

Teamsters unions are buzzing with endorsements while the national body plays hard to get with both Kamala Harris and Trump!

As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, the political landscape is heating up, particularly among the Teamsters union. Local unions in several pivotal swing states have decided to throw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, despite the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)—the national body of the union—declining to endorse any presidential candidate, including Harris and former President Donald Trump. This unusual situation has raised eyebrows, as local chapters seem more in tune with the sentiments of their members than the national leadership, showcasing the democratic nature of union politics.

Interestingly, this division reflects a broader trend within the unionist movement. While many labor organizations are mobilizing to endorse candidates who resonate with their rank and file, the IBT has opted for a more cautious approach. Their choice to refrain from endorsing any candidate might signal a strategic play—perhaps in response to increasing discontent among their members regarding the two leading candidates. The Teamsters' non-endorsement could potentially set a precedent for labor unions thinking twice before aligning with political figures who may not fulfill their members’ demands.

Adding another layer to this unfolding narrative, the Michigan Teamsters are pushing back against the national trend by expressing strong grassroots support for Harris. Union leadership in the state reported that their members are “overwhelmingly” backing the Vice President, suggesting a disconnect—but also an opportunity—for Harris to engage more directly with unions’ core issues. This local endorsement in battleground states indicates a brewing political storm, hinting that the Teamsters could still play a significant role in the election, even without a formal national endorsement.

Furthermore, amidst this political chess game, Teamsters have recently made headlines beyond endorsements: nearly 300 workers at the Marathon oil refinery in Detroit staged a strike, marking the first labor action there in 30 years! This strike exemplifies the increasingly militant stance the Teamsters are taking in negotiations, focusing on fair labor practices, pay, and working conditions. It's a sign that while some may be hesitant to endorse candidates, the Teamsters are definitely not hesitant to fight for their rights!

Did you know that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is one of the largest labor unions in the US, representing over 1.4 million members? Their significant influence in American labor markets cannot be underestimated! Also, the last time the Teamsters endorsed the presidential candidate was in 2020 when they backed Joe Biden; the implications of this year’s decisions could reverberate far into the future of labor politics!