Staff Reports
A member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters recently voiced his disappointment over the union’s decision to sidestep the endorsement game in the upcoming 2024 election. In a surprise twist that feels more like an episode of a bad sitcom than actual politics, the union has opted not to endorse any candidate, ignoring the fact that many of its members are staunch supporters of former President Donald Trump.
J.W. Paine, the upset Teamster and truck driver, pointed out that the union leadership seems completely out of touch with the sentiments of its rank-and-file members. Internal polling has shown overwhelming support for Trump. Yet, here we are, with the union leaders playing a game of neutrality that only leaves its members shaking their heads in disbelief. Perhaps they’re hoping to win the approval of the elite while neglecting the everyday workers who actually keep the wheels of this country turning.
Teamster Says Union’s Leadership Is Totally Ignoring Overwhelming Support For Trump Among Rank-And-Filehttps://t.co/kCHm65iXR4
— DC Enquirer (@DcEnquirer) September 19, 2024
In a different corner of the union world, Rudy Melendez from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees echoed these sentiments, noting that even Hollywood’s backstage crew—surprisingly themselves a hard-working lot—are displaying Trump stickers and bragging about their support for him. It seems the creative types stuck under the bright lights have had enough of the bleak three-and-a-half years of Democrat-led policies and are ready to rally behind someone who promises to bring some pizzazz back to America’s streets and stages.
The irony of this situation is rich. Democrats routinely lean on unions for crucial support when election season rolls around. Still, when it comes time for the union leaders to return the favor, they decide to play coy instead of bravely endorsing the candidate their members actually want. Paine directly pointed out that when the Teamsters’ backs are against the wall, it’s the Democrats who come knocking, begging for their support. However, when it’s time for the favor to be returned, it appears the union’s leadership has chosen to ignore the cries of their own members.
In a world where unions should be the voice of their members, the disconnect is glaring. It’s hard to blame the Teamster members for shaking their heads in disbelief when their leadership ignores the voices clearly advocating for strong, pro-worker policies. It’s almost comedic to think that the Democrats, despite their relentless push for union support, often seem to leave those very union workers in the dust when it comes to their political strategies. It might be time for unions to rethink who they really represent and who they plan to back in the future. After all, wouldn’t it be a refreshing change to have union leadership that actually listens to the workers on the ground?
