Teamsters Undecided on Gore

October 21, 1999 8:52 AM, EDT

When the AFL-CIO voted Oct. 13 to endorse Vice President Al Gore for president, two major players in the labor federation refused to sign on: the United Auto Workers and the Teamsters.

“We believe that, in a democratic organization like the AFL-CIO, there is always room for disagreement,” Teamsters President James P. Hoffa told the 700 convention delegates at the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Los Angeles. “On this issue, we respectfully disagree.”

Hoffa, who has met with leaders of both parties over the past several weeks — including Democratic candidate Bill Bradley and Republican presidential candidates Pat Buchanan and Orrin Hatch — has made no secret of not wanting the union to be taken for granted by any party or candidate. Before the administration of ousted president Ron Carey in the 1990s, the Teamsters traditionally leaned toward the GOP, but Hoffa has publicly characterized himself as a liberal Democrat.

“Our no vote is neither a criticism of Vice President Gore nor is it a sign of support for Senator Bradley or any other candidate,” Hoffa said. “It is the feeling of our members that they need more time to see the candidates in action. And we need more time to advance our agenda through the electoral process.”

For the full story, see the Oct. 18 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.