The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), a major labor union with a longstanding history of political endorsements, has opted to remain neutral in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election, marking a significant shift from their previous backing of President Joe Biden in 2020.
Breitbart reported that the IAFF announced their decision following mixed member sentiments towards various presidential candidates, highlighted by reactions during a recent event where Senator JD Vance addressed the union.
IAFF President Edward Kelly revealed on Thursday that the decision to refrain from endorsing any candidate came after extensive efforts to gauge the opinions and priorities of its members over the past year. The Executive Board's decision passed by the slimmest margin of 1.2 percent, underscoring the divided opinions within the union.
Essentially, the IAFF's rank-and-file are swinging towards Trump but union leadership is still staunchly leftist meaning the only way to move forward was to not endorse Harris and remain "neutral."
"This decision, which we took very seriously, is the best way to preserve and strengthen our unity," Kelly stated, emphasizing the union's commitment to focusing on its core mission of improving the lives of firefighters.
In August, the IAFF hosted an event where Ohio Sen. JD Vance drew attention with his speech, highlighting the mixed reception from union members.
Vance, an advocate of the Trump-Vance ticket, received a combination of applause and boos, illustrating the diverse political landscape within the union. He acknowledged the response, saying, "Sounds like we’ve got some fans and some haters." Despite this, Vance took the opportunity to express gratitude to the firefighters, appreciating their dedication to public service.
During his remarks, Vance also brought to focus the endorsement from the New York City Fire Marshals Benevolent Association for the Trump-Vance ticket, branding it as a notably pro-worker Republican slate.
Vance seized the moment to appeal to his audience, asking them to consider joining in support of this ticket during the election.
The IAFF's position aligns with a similar stance taken by the Teamsters union, which likewise chose not to endorse Harris and exhibited notable internal support for Trump.
Recent Teamsters polling data illustrated a significant leaning towards Trump, showing close to 60% of its members' support compared to Harris's 34%. This scenario highlights the broader political challenges Harris faces as she seeks to rally substantial labor union support in her bid for the presidency.
The IAFF's non-endorsement decision follows Vance's recent success in a debate against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, where his performance was well-received by various observers.
The union leadership's determination to remain neutral attempts to balance internal divisions and external pressures, as they continue fighting for improvements in wages and conditions for firefighters and their families.
This neutrality, however, comes with the backdrop of persistent concerns within labor unions about the nation's economic trajectory.
Critics, such as William Martin, suggest rank-and-file Teamsters are disillusioned with the policies associated with Harris, particularly those concerning inflation and immigration. Martin contends American workers fared better under the previous administration, advocating for a return to those policies.
Responses to the IAFF's decision have varied, with some members expressing frustration at the absence of an endorsement that could provide clear guidance.
The move has also drawn scrutiny over potential missed opportunities to influence the election in favor of candidates aligning more closely with labor interests.
