The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the most powerful labor unions in the U.S., has chosen not to endorse either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump for president, signaling deep internal divisions and reflecting broader national debates about labor rights.

The union’s 1.3 million members have long been a key constituency, but their leadership was unable to secure critical commitments from either candidate ahead of the 2024 election, leading to what some see as a significant blow to Harris, given the organization's historical support for the Democratic Party candidate, as the Associated Press reports.

This decision, announced on Wednesday, comes after both candidates failed to meet the union's demands for stronger protections for workers’ rights, including pledges not to interfere in core Teamsters industries or restrict the right to strike. The Teamsters are holding out for a candidate who will prioritize their members over corporate interests.

Despite the union's neutrality, both campaigns have claimed support from its rank-and-file members. Harris, who has a long history of backing organized labor, pointed to support from retired Teamsters at the Democratic National Convention. Trump, on the other hand, has built strong connections with many white, blue-collar workers, even while taking an adversarial stance against unions.

Divisions Within the Union Surface

Teamsters President Sean M. O’Brien made it clear that neither candidate was able to fully align with the union’s priorities. “Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business,” O’Brien said.

Labor experts have noted that the lack of endorsement underscores growing divisions within the Teamsters. Marick Masters, a business professor at Wayne State University, said that the move "suggests a realignment within the union’s membership." Art Wheaton, director of labor studies at Cornell University, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that “the members were not in total agreement.”

While Harris is seen by some as a strong advocate for labor, her failure to secure an endorsement highlights the complexity of labor politics in the current climate. At the same time, Trump’s appeal to parts of the union's membership reflects a broader trend of union members favoring Republican candidates in recent elections.

Internal Polling and Campaign Strategies

Internal polling reportedly showed Trump with a slight edge among Teamsters members. The Republican campaign has seized on this, with Trump stating that it’s a “great honor” that the union did not endorse the Democrats. “They’re not going to endorse the Democrats. That’s a big thing,” Trump said, emphasizing the significance of the Teamsters' neutral stance.

Harris, however, has been vocal about her support for organized labor. Her campaign spokesperson, Lauren Hitt, reminded voters that while Trump has called for firing striking workers, Harris has “literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career.” Harris also pledged to support the PRO Act, which would strengthen union protections if passed.

The decision not to endorse either candidate follows a meeting Harris had with a panel of Teamsters earlier in the week. Trump met with the union in January, but both candidates left without securing the commitments the Teamsters sought, including a refusal to use the Railway Labor Act to intervene in labor disputes.

Labor History and Current Disputes

The lack of a Teamsters endorsement is significant, given the union’s central role in labor movements throughout the years. The union objected to a 2022 contract imposed by Congress on their railroad sector members, and this has remained a sore point in their relations with the federal government. The union leadership wanted both Trump and Harris to guarantee that they would not use federal authority to intervene in future labor disputes, but both campaigns declined.

Harris’ record on labor, however, includes notable achievements. The passage of the Butch Lewis Act in 2021, which was supported by both President Joe Biden and Harris, preserved union pensions, earning them substantial goodwill from the labor community. Despite this, it wasn’t enough to secure the Teamsters’ backing in the current election cycle.

On the other hand, Trump’s relationship with labor unions has been complicated. While his administration supported certain working-class issues that resonated with union members, Trump has frequently clashed with labor leaders. His administration’s policies have often been at odds with the interests of organized labor, leading to tensions with union leadership.

Looking Ahead to Future Elections

In a recent interview, O’Brien suggested that the 2024 election may serve as a wake-up call for candidates seeking the union’s support in future elections. “This should be an eye opener for 2028. If people want the support of the most powerful union in North America, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, start doing some things to support our members,” O’Brien said on Fox News.

As the Nov. 5 election approaches, both Harris and Trump will likely continue to court individual union members, hoping to sway their votes. However, with no official endorsement from the Teamsters, it remains unclear how the union’s rank-and-file will vote.

Union Endorsements Remain a Crucial Factor

Other major unions have thrown their support behind Harris, though sometimes with reservations. For instance, the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America endorsed her, signaling her broader labor appeal. Still, Harris’ campaign will undoubtedly feel the absence of a formal Teamsters endorsement.

The broader labor movement is watching closely. With key issues such as gun control, abortion, and border security playing heavily into the national conversation, union members are grappling with how these topics intersect with their workplace concerns. These divisions are likely to continue to influence the political landscape in the coming months.

Conclusion

The Teamsters’ decision not to endorse Kamala Harris or Donald Trump reflects both internal divisions within the union and broader national debates about labor rights.

While Harris maintains her strong track record of supporting organized labor, and Trump appeals to segments of the union’s working-class membership, neither candidate has made commitments sufficient to secure the union’s official support.

As both campaigns gear up for the final stretch before the November election, the union’s neutrality leaves the outcome uncertain among its 1.3 million members.