Don’t hire anyone without first giving them an interview

Sean O’Brien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, stated on Sunday that he has not yet endorsed a candidate for the 2024 presidential race. His reluctance stems from not having met with Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the importance of an interview before making any hiring decisions. This indicates a cautious approach as the Teamsters hold a significant position among U.S. unions, representing over 1.3 million members.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is notable as it is one of the largest unions in the country and the only major union that has yet to endorse Harris as the Democratic nominee. Traditionally, the Teamsters have announced their endorsement after both the Democratic and Republican conventions. However, O’Brien has indicated that this electoral cycle is unfolding differently, suggesting a willingness to engage openly with candidates.

O’Brien’s approach includes bringing all candidates to discuss issues directly with union members. He mentioned that the Teamsters have already met with Harris’s rival, former President Donald Trump, as well as President Joe Biden earlier this year. This aligns with O’Brien’s goal to ensure that political affiliations within the membership—split between Republicans and Democrats—are acknowledged and addressed fairly.

He articulated the need for thorough discussions, stating, “Half of our members are Republicans, half of our members are Democrats. So we have to serve all of our membership equally.” The planned meeting with Harris aims to address specific issues relevant to the Teamsters and broader labor concerns. O’Brien conveyed that without this meeting, a decision regarding endorsement will remain pending.

The Harris-Walz campaign has acknowledged this situation, confirming that Harris has indeed accepted an invitation from the Teamsters for a candidate roundtable. This meeting is intended for Harris to discuss her record of supporting Teamsters and outline her vision for the future concerning labor matters. The campaign is eager to finalize a date for this gathering soon.

In a turn of events that caught public attention, O’Brien made headlines during his speech at the Republican National Convention in July. He was the first leader from the Teamsters in the organization’s 121-year history to address the RNC. His speech marked a significant shift in the Republican Party’s approach, which has moved away from favoring corporate interests toward a more worker-centric attitude under Trump’s influence.

O’Brien voiced a strong message regarding independence, stating, “Today, the Teamsters are here to say we are not beholden to anyone or any party.” He emphasized the commitment to creating an agenda in cooperation with a bipartisan coalition aimed at improving conditions for American workers, demonstrating a proactive stance in labor advocacy.

On “Face the Nation,” O’Brien disclosed that he had requested to speak at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, but only the RNC responded positively. Meanwhile, leaders from other unions, including the United Auto Workers’ president Shawn Fain, spoke at the DNC in August. O’Brien expressed disappointment at the lack of response from the Democratic side, highlighting the significance of presenting American workers’ issues at all venues.

When asked if his appearance at the RNC suggested a shift towards support for Trump due to perceived labor friendliness compared to prior Republican nominees, O’Brien was firm in his stance. “No, not at all,” he replied, clarifying that his presence at the RNC did not reflect an endorsement of Trump or any Republican candidate. The standing ovation from Trump during his speech was seen purely as recognition of labor issues rather than a political alignment.

O’Brien reaffirmed that his intentions were strictly about promoting the value of American workers, stating, “It wasn’t an endorsement for any and all Republicans. It was strictly a message about how important and how valuable we are, and to let the people know that fight us every day that we’re not going away.” His emphasis on unity and representation illustrates the complexities and dynamics present within the labor movement and its relationship with political entities.

As the 2024 elections approach, the Teamsters’ decision to meet with all presidential candidates, particularly Vice President Harris, highlights the evolving landscape of political endorsements in organized labor. The outcomes of these discussions may play a crucial role in shaping labor support as the elections draw nearer.

Source: CBS News