Teamsters

Teamsters Say 'No Thanks!' to 2024 Presidential Endorsements (And No, It's Not About Cold Pizza!)

The Teamsters break tradition and skip endorsements this election—find out why!

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is making headlines for taking an unexpected stance in the 2024 presidential race: surprise, they aren’t backing a candidate! This prominent union that represents more than 1.3 million members in the U.S. and Canada has been known for its powerful influence in American politics, historically leaning towards the Democratic nominee. However, in a twist of fate, Teamsters leadership has decided to sit this election cycle out. With many other labor organizations rallying behind hopeful candidates, Teamsters’ decision has caused quite a stir in the political and union landscapes alike.

The Teamsters' reasoning stems from a culture of dissatisfaction among its ranks regarding both leading candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Despite the vice president’s robust union record and previous endorsements from various Teamsters locals, the union’s leadership faced a wave of backlash for this unorthodox decision. Members have voiced their concerns online, questioning how a union that has historically backed Democrats could choose to refrain from endorsing when millions rely on their voice in such a critical election.

In what seems like a perfect recipe for drama, the Teamsters are not resting on their laurels during this heated election period. Instead, they are shifting focus to larger organizational efforts. With the recent successful strike at UPS, Teamsters Local 89 plans to expand its aims by targeting DHL and Amazon in Northern Kentucky for unionization. This suggests that while the union's political game plan may be on hold, its commitment to its members and labor rights remains unwavering and dynamic.

To further add to the excitement, Teamsters Union Local 206 at Bigfoot Beverage Company officially went on strike early Thursday morning, sparking conversations about workers' rights and their demands. As Teamsters forge ahead with their organizing efforts, their non-endorsement this presidential cycle might just be a strategic move to prioritize local issues that directly affect their members. With the union set to make waves through their grassroots initiatives, it’s clear that the Teamsters are all about action rather than words in 2024.

Did you know that the Teamsters were founded way back in 1903? Originating from the need to unite the transport industry, they’ve morphed into a powerful force across various sectors. Recent polls say that around 75% of union members wish to see their unions play a more active role in politics, suggesting that the Teamsters' decision is just the tip of an iceberg that might influence the broader labor movement!

As a fun fact, the Teamsters played a crucial role in the establishment of the Labor Day holiday in the U.S., advocating tirelessly for workers’ rights! Their legacy not only extends to current issues but also shapes the future of labor as they navigate the choppy waters of modern politics and workplace conditions.