Some local Teamsters groups have announced their endorsements for Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris after the national union decided not to endorse any presidential candidate for the 2020 election. The Teamsters Joint Council 7, representing 23 local unions in Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii, was among the first to publicly offer its support for Harris and Joe Biden.
The decision by the national union to remain neutral in the presidential race was met with mixed reactions from its members. While some supported the choice to refrain from endorsing a candidate, others believed that it was essential for the union to make its stance clear in such a crucial election year. In response to the national union’s decision, several local Teamsters groups took matters into their own hands and decided to back the Biden-Harris ticket independently.
Among these local groups are the Teamsters Joint Council 7, which praised Kamala Harris for her track record of advocating for working families and her plans to protect and expand union rights. In a statement announcing the endorsement, the council emphasized the importance of electing leaders who prioritize the needs of workers and are committed to fighting for fair wages, healthcare, and retirement security.
Additionally, the Teamsters Joint Council 42, representing Southern California, also expressed their support for Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. The council highlighted Harris’s strong record on labor issues, including her co-sponsorship of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and her advocacy for policies that promote job creation and economic growth.
The endorsements from these local Teamsters groups underscore the significance of the labor vote in the upcoming election and the urgency of supporting candidates who prioritize the interests of working people. The decision to back Harris and Biden reflects a broader trend of increased political engagement and activism within labor unions, as workers seek to have a voice in shaping policies that impact their lives and livelihoods.
As the election draws nearer, it is clear that the Teamsters and other labor organizations will play a crucial role in mobilizing their members to vote and advocating for policies that benefit workers across the country. By endorsing Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, these local Teamsters groups are sending a message that they believe in the candidates’ commitment to advancing the interests of working families and building a more equitable society for all.