In a surprising move, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest and most influential labor unions in the United States, has announced that they will not be endorsing either Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris, or incumbent President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election.
This decision comes as a blow to both candidates, as the Teamsters union has a long history of endorsing Democratic candidates in presidential elections. The union represents over 1.4 million workers across various industries, including trucking, transportation, and logistics, making their endorsement highly sought after by politicians looking to secure the support of the working class.
The Teamsters union cited concerns over both candidates’ records on key issues affecting their members, such as trade policy, workers’ rights, and healthcare. While Biden has been criticized for his support of free trade agreements that have led to the outsourcing of American jobs, Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his attacks on organized labor have also raised red flags for the union.
In a statement, Teamsters General President James Hoffa said, “Both candidates have failed to address the needs of working Americans and have instead focused on divisive rhetoric and personal attacks. Our members deserve better than the choices that are being presented to them in this election.”
The decision to withhold their endorsement is a bold move by the Teamsters union, as their support could potentially sway the outcome of the election in key battleground states. By remaining neutral, the union is sending a clear message to both candidates that they need to do more to earn the support of working Americans.
As the election draws near, it will be interesting to see how this decision impacts the candidates’ campaigns and whether they will make an effort to reach out to the Teamsters union and address their concerns. In the meantime, the union’s members will have to make their own decisions on which candidate they believe will best represent their interests in the White House.