Recent revelations indicate that local Teamsters groups have announced their endorsement of Kamala Harris for President, directly countering the national union’s decision not to do so. The national group’s non-committal position, attributed to divergent opinions within the membership ranks, has led regional chapters to exercise their autonomy and express their support for the Democratic presidential contender.
Notably, the northern California chapter, Teamsters Joint Council 7, comprising 100,000 members and 23 unions, became the first to openly throw its weight behind the vice-presidential candidate. According to Joint Council President Rome Aloise, their decision was informed by Harris’ impressive record and commitment to workers’ rights.
The relationship between the local Teamsters groups and Harris dates back to her tenure as Attorney General of California, where she worked industriously to uphold worker rights. Notably, she implemented legal measures that proved instrumental in protecting truck drivers from unfair wage practices enforced by shipping companies. Harris also made strides in securing due pay to employees who were underpaid or not paid at all by reckless employers.
Along the same vein, Teamsters Local 986 in South California voiced their endorsement for Harris, citing her stance as a trailblazer who has consistently fought for workers’ rights. According to Chris Griswold, the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 986, Harris embodies the fighter they need in the executive arm of government to champion workers’ rights and protections.
While it’s paramount to consider that local union endorsements don’t always mirror the national union’s viewpoint, they however indicate the views of rank-and-file members. It reveals that a substantial number of Teamsters members believe in Harris’ ability to promote and protect their interests.
The Vice President’s longstanding advocacy for union rights and protections, as well as her promise to strengthen the middle class, resonates with workers who have been feeling the economic pinch exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. Her detailed plans on infrastructure development, clean energy jobs and an increase in the minimum wage, serve as an assurance to these union members.
Simultaneously, Harris’ endorsement, by these local Teamsters groups defies the status quo, where historically, unions defer to the position of the national body. It is an exceptional situation rooted in exceptional times, where the issues at stake have prompted a divergence in the local and national orientation.
Despite the national union’s choice to withhold their endorsement, local Teamsters groups in California have independently declared their support for Harris. The motivation behind this is largely attributable to their intimate knowledge of her steadfast commitment to workers’ rights, fair wages and worker protection backed by her track record.
In conclusion, the endorsement indicates a turn in the tides where local groups are actively choosing to diverge from their national counterparts, signaling a deeper consciousness of their specific needs and expectations. Support for Harris reflects their confidence in her as the leader who will bridge the divide between workers’ needs and the political narratives of the day.
