Michigan Teamsters endorse Harris-Walz presidential campaign

On Wednesday evening, seemingly in response to the General Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters deciding not to endorse any candidate for U.S. President, the Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43 announced that it is endorsing the Harris-Walz campaign.

In their letter of endorsement, the organization lays out three key factors that impacted their decision: Pension Reform Legislation, Economic Plan to Restore the Middle Class, and Protecting Social Security and Expanding Healthcare Access.

"The Harris-Walz ticket offers a comprehensive vision for America - one that not only prioritizes economic fairness but also stands steadfastly by our nation's workers," Michigan Teamsters President Kevin Moore said.

"Their record and future plans are exactly what our country needs to continue growing and prospering. I urge all my Teamster members and fellow citizens to lend their support to this outstanding campaign."

In the hours since the national union decided not to endorse a candidate, many local unions have taken it upon themselves to endorse their preferred candidate. 

Full statement from Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 47:

Michigan Teamsters President Kevin Moore and the Executive Board on behalf of 245,000 active and retired Teamsters enthusiastically endorse the Harris-Walz campaign. We strongly support their continued commitment to the issues that matter most to working families and our nation's middle class. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have consistently demonstrated their dedication to championing the labor movement, safeguarding social security, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Americans, including women's reproductive rights.

Pension Reform Legislation: The Harris-Walz campaign has been instrumental in advocating for much-needed reforms to protect the pensions of millions of Americans. Their unwavering support for pension reform ensures that hard-working citizens can retire with dignity and financial security, a cause that resonates deeply with me and millions of workers. As Vice President, Kamala Harris was the deciding vote to pass the Butch Lewis Act which provided necessary relief to troubled pension funds and secures the retirement of millions of Americans. Support for the Labor Movement: The Harris-Walz campaign is committed to revitalizing the labor movement, which is crucial to restoring economic balance and empowering the middle class. Their vision for the future includes favorable appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), ensuring that labor rights are protected, and workers have a voice. I have seen firsthand the positive impact of these policies in Michigan, where strong labor advocacy has made a real difference in the lives of workers.

Economic Plan to Restore the Middle Class: The Harris-Walz economic plan focuses on bolstering American industries, creating high-paying jobs, and ensuring that the middle class thrives once again. Their approach aligns with the needs of both current workers and future generations by promoting fair wages, expanding worker protections, and making significant investments in infrastructure and clean energy jobs.

Protecting Social Security and Expanding Healthcare Access: The commitment to protecting and expanding social security benefits is crucial in this era of uncertainty, especially for the elderly and vulnerable. Furthermore, ensuring universal access to affordable healthcare is a cornerstone of their platform, recognizing that no American should go without essential health services.

Furthermore, the Harris-Walz campaign's focus on inclusion is evident in their advocacy for marginalized communities. They have worked tirelessly to advance racial, gender, and economic equity, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard and protected. Their policies demonstrate a clear dedication to creating a society that values and uplifts everyone, regardless of background or identity.

The Harris-Walz ticket offers a comprehensive vision for America-one that not only prioritizes economic fairness but also stands steadfastly by our nation's workers. Their record and future plans are exactly what our country needs to continue growing and prospering. I urge all my Teamster members and fellow citizens to lend their support to this outstanding campaign.

In conclusion, as a nation we must move forward to protect and grow the middle class. "We are not going back"!!!

-- Sincerely, Kevin D. Moore, President Michigan Teamsters J.C. 43

A coalition of western Teamsters unions have also split with the national union and endorsed Harris-Walz.

You can read the Teamsters Local 396 post about west coast endorsement here.