Discover the Latest Developments in Union Politics: USW Officials Remain Silent on Presidential Race
At a recent meeting of United Steelworkers union officials, the topic of presidential politics was notably absent, highlighting the divide between USW members and union leadership when it comes to the candidates. The 1.2 million-member union endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in July, but did not actively promote her candidacy to the 300 local officials in attendance. This silence speaks to the tensions within the union as the election approaches, with polls showing a tight race that could hinge on the votes of union workers in battleground states.
Despite the endorsement of Harris by other major unions like the United Auto Workers, the influential Teamsters union chose not to endorse either candidate, with surveys showing rank-and-file members favoring Trump. This decision has been seized upon by the Trump campaign as a sign of support from union workers.
The oil-bargaining conference, typically a venue for political discussions, saw little mention of the upcoming election, with many attendees preferring to keep their political preferences private. While some oil workers express support for Trump due to perceived alignment with their economic interests, others feel left behind by the Democratic Party's policies.
Overall, the lack of overt political discussion at the conference reflects the nuanced political landscape within the union, with members holding diverse views on the candidates and their policies. As the election draws near, the choices made by union workers could have a significant impact on the outcome, making it a key demographic to watch in the coming weeks.