Sean O’Brien, the president of the teamsters’ union, has stated that the union is holding off on formally endorsing a presidential candidate until its members have the opportunity to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris. O’Brien emphasized the importance of having a face-to-face discussion with Harris before making a decision.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is eager to engage in a dialogue with Vice President Harris to address teamster-specific issues and broader labor concerns. O’Brien highlighted the union's practice of inviting all candidates to meet with rank-and-file members and the executive board, underscoring the need for Harris to commit to such a meeting.
O’Brien expressed his disapproval of former President Donald Trump, particularly citing Trump's remarks regarding striking workers. He supported the United Auto Workers union in filing a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against Trump for his comments that seemed to endorse the firing of striking employees.
Regarding Trump's stance on labor issues, O’Brien emphasized the importance of holding individuals and organizations accountable for actions that negatively impact workers. He reiterated his commitment to supporting efforts that defend labor rights and ensure accountability for those who undermine them.
The Teamsters union's decision to delay endorsing a presidential candidate reflects its dedication to engaging with candidates directly and advocating for the interests of its members. O’Brien's call for a meeting with Vice President Harris underscores the union's commitment to thorough evaluation and informed decision-making in the endorsement process.