MINNEAPOLIS — Some Teamsters in Minnesota and other Midwestern states have severed ties with the national union and thrown their weight behind the Democratic presidential candidate.
Teamsters Joint Council 32, which represents current and former members in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for president in a letter last week. The endorsement came shortly after the International Brotherhood of Teamsters refused to give approval in the presidential race.
In a statement, the larger union said there were “few commitments on key Teamster issues from either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris — and no definitive support among members for either party’s nomination.”
Joint Council 32 wrote in its letter that Harris and Walz “are proven champions for union members.” The letter specifically cited Walz’s former union membership and the victories Minnesota unions have won under his leadership, such as securing paid leave and banning public-only gatherings.
“Walz is showing his compassion for his community by walking the talk,” said Joint Council 32 President Tom Erickson. “He has stood with us on our picket lines, listened to our concerns, and expanded protections for union workers in warehouse, construction, and auto technician jobs.”
The national Teamsters union has endorsed Democrats in every presidential race since 1996, when it did not endorse any candidates. President Sean O’Brien spoke at the Republican National Convention in July. He was not invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention.
The Teamsters are the only one of the 10 largest unions in the country not to support Harris.
Several joint councils representing most of the active and retired Teamsters in the crucial states of Nevada, Michigan and Wisconsin have also expressed support for Harris.
WCCO Staff
