United Steelworkers Conference Highlights Unity Amid Political Differences
At a recent meeting of United Steelworkers union officials, presidential politics took a backseat, highlighting the divide between members and leaders over the candidates. Despite the USW leadership endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, discussions at the conference did not emphasize her candidacy. Instead, the focus was on legislative proposals and industry-related topics.
The lack of mention of Harris points to the tensions within the union as the election approaches, with polls showing a tight race that could be influenced by union workers in battleground states. Traditionally part of the Democratic base, union workers have seen a shift in recent elections, with President Trump gaining support from working-class voters.
In contrast to other major unions supporting Harris, the Teamsters chose not to endorse either candidate, with surveys showing Trump preferred by their rank-and-file members. However, regional Teamsters councils in key states like Michigan and Wisconsin backed Harris.
The oil-bargaining conference, held just weeks before the election, remained relatively silent on the presidential race, with many attendees indicating a strong preference for Trump. Union members expressed concerns that the Democratic Party’s priorities did not align with their interests, particularly in the oil industry.
USW President David McCall focused on labor contract topics at the conference, avoiding a public split over the election. The national leadership’s endorsement of Harris was based on her alignment with union priorities, with no response received from the opposing candidate.
Amidst a preference for Trump among many union members, discussions on politics were intentionally minimal. Some attendees indicated a reluctance to openly discuss their support for Trump, reflecting the complex dynamics within the union as the election approaches.
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Emma Collins, graduated in Financial Economics from the University of Chicago in the USA in 2016. She has since worked at an asset management firm in New York, where she specializes in investment strategies and portfolio management. Emma has a keen interest in financial analysis and has published several articles in renowned financial journals. Her work focuses on providing actionable insights to investors, and she is known for her forward-thinking approach to managing financial portfolios.