(WASHINGTON) — The General Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Wednesday elected not to endorse any candidate for U.S. President.

After reviewing six months of nationwide member polling and wrapping up nearly a year of rank-and-file roundtable interviews with all major candidates for the presidency, the union was left with few commitments on top Teamsters issues from either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris—and found no definitive support among members for either party’s nominee.

In data publicly released earlier in the day, President Joe Biden won the support of Teamsters voting in straw polls at local unions between April-July prior to his exit from the race. But in independent electronic and phone polling from July-September, a majority of voting members twice selected Trump for a possible Teamsters endorsement over Harris.

The union’s extensive member polling showed no majority support for Vice President Harris and no universal support among the membership for President Trump.

“The Teamsters thank all candidates for meeting with members face-to-face during our unprecedented roundtables. 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. We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries—and to honor our members’ right to strike—but were unable to secure those pledges,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.

“Our mission as union representatives is clear: to be honest and upfront, to be inclusive and, above all, to be transparent with our membership. As the strongest and most democratic labor union in America, it was vital for our members to drive this endorsement process. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents proudly call our union home, and we have a duty to represent and respect every one of them. We strongly encourage all our members to vote in the upcoming election, and to remain engaged in the political process. But this year, no candidate for President has earned the endorsement of the Teamsters’ International Union.”

During the Teamsters Rank-and-file Presidential Roundtables, the union shared feedback from members in the railroad and airline industries who work under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) and are at the mercy of government intervention that often prevents work stoppages. While 10,000 Teamsters at United Airlines are currently negotiating a new agreement, tens of thousands of railroad Teamsters were forced to accept a new contract implemented by Congress without member support in 2022. In roundtable discussions with Trump in January and Harris this month, neither candidate promised not to intervene to force similar RLA contracts, which undermines workers’ bargaining leverage.

While Harris pledged, if elected, to sign the PRO Act, an essential piece of labor legislation strengthening union protections, and criticized dangerous “right to work” laws that are enacted to bankrupt unions, Trump would not commit to veto national “right to work” legislation if he returned to the White House.

“‘Right to work’ laws only exist to try to kill labor unions,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. “It is a red line for the Teamsters and must be for any union when a candidate for elected office does not oppose such anti-worker legislation. It’s too important an issue for the labor movement as a whole to be left up to state legislatures.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien will address the American worker — and the nation — in primetime at 9pm CT tonight. Teamsters labor, and Teamsters votes, will not be taken for granted. Tune in. You don’t want to miss it!

Teamsters Steel Horse Riders had there first ride of the season with New President Darren Robinson leading the pack. The group of 9 took a nice ride on Saturday 6/15 with Newcomer “In Training” Jim Pappas.

US Foods Workers Defeat Broadline Food Distributor, Secure Strong Contract

Press Contact: Daniel Moskowitz Phone: (770) 262-4971 Email: dmoskowitz@gmail.com

(WASHINGTON) – Following nearly three weeks on the picket line, the Teamsters’ strike against US Foods is over. After immense pressure and picket-line extensions from workers nationwide, Teamsters Local 705 has secured a strong tentative agreement for US Foods drivers in Bensenville, Ill. 

The new five-year contract offer includes significant wage increases and improvements to health care, pension, and safety for more than 130 drivers at the company. 

“US Foods saw what they were up against and caved,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Any company mistreating workers will face the full force of this union. Our momentum is unstoppable. We will always do whatever it takes to safeguard our members and strike any company that attempts to undermine their rights. US Foods will now think twice next time they want to play games in negotiations with the Teamsters.”

Drivers represented by Local 705 went on an unfair labor practices (ULP) strike on Jan. 8 at the US Foods distribution center in Bensenville after weeks of contentious contract negotiations. Local 705’s contract with US Foods expired on Dec. 29. 

Throughout the strike, Teamsters stood strong to hold the line in Bensenville and workers nationwide stood in solidarity by honoring picket lines. The Teamsters represent approximately 5,500 US Foods workers nationwide. 

“After three intense weeks, braving subzero temperatures, snowstorms, and the biting cold of the picket lines, I am happy to announce we have secured a tentative agreement that acknowledges our valor, our strength, and our unity,” said Juan C. Campos, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 705 and International Vice President At-Large. “This triumph sends a strong message to large corporations: profits should not be made at the expense of the hardworking people who are the backbone of their success.” 

“With this strike, the Teamsters have struck a blow that will resonate throughout Corporate America,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division and Teamsters Central Region International Vice President. “US Foods Teamsters held the line until they secured the contract they deserved. Workers in the food service and grocery industry are organizing with the Teamsters like never before to hold greedy employers accountable.”

A Scab trying to drive a truck in Corona, CA. US Foods: It’s time to admit the value of Union Labor and give us the respect we deserve.