Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden could end up meeting with the Teamsters union one after another next week as each compete for the group’s coveted endorsement ahead of the 2024 election.
In a press release this week, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced it would continue its Rank-and-file Presidential Roundtables beginning Wednesday when it meets with Trump.
According to the union, Biden was invited to participate in a roundtable the same day with union members, the Executive Board, President Sean M. O’Brien, and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman at the Teamsters headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Biden’s campaign did not provide comment to the Washington Examiner.
“Our members want to hear from all candidates of all parties about what they plan to do for working people as President,” O’Brien said in a statement. “Teamsters are essential to every trade industry in this country. Our members are working in all 50 states and represent every political background, including no affiliation. Our union wants every candidate to know that there are 1.3 million Teamsters nationwide whose votes will not be taken for granted. Workers’ voices must be heard.”
During the 2024 cycle, O’Brien has met with Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Marianne Williamson, Cornel West, and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN).
“Republican candidate Nikki Haley has received an invitation from the Teamsters as well,” according to the release.
Haley’s campaign did not provide comment to the Washington Examiner.
The Teamsters haven’t endorsed any candidate for president in 2024.
Biden received the endorsement of the United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain earlier this week.
The Teamsters meetings with Trump and potentially Biden come as approval of labor unions exceeded the long-term average in 2023, per Gallup. Last year, 67% of the public reported approving of labor unions, up 19 points from 2009’s record-low of 48%.
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According to Gallup, 61% believe these unions help, not hurt the economy, which was a record high.
In another record high, 43% expressed wanting unions to have more influence in America.