USW Oil Workers' Conference Sidesteps Presidential Politics

The United Steelworkers (USW) union, North America's largest industrial labor organization, recently held its national oil bargaining conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Notably absent from the agenda was any discussion of the upcoming presidential election, despite the union leadership's endorsement of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in July 2023.

This departure from past election-year gatherings highlights the growing divide between union officials and rank-and-file members regarding political preferences. The conference, attended by 300 local officials, focused primarily on industry-specific issues, legislative proposals, and preparations for future contract negotiations.

David McCall, USW President, explained the decision to Reuters:

"I wanted to concentrate on the oil industry itself, just generally about the community and solidarity, that's the role I'm playing."

The USW, founded in 1942, represents 1.2 million workers across various sectors in the United States and Canada. While the union has a long history of political activism, the current situation reflects a shift in the traditional Democratic support base among union workers.

Many oil workers, who form a significant portion of USW membership, come from states like Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. These regions are not typically considered battleground states in presidential elections. However, the sentiment among these workers appears to lean towards supporting former President Donald Trump.

One Texas union leader, speaking anonymously, estimated:

"I'd say 80% to 90% of USW oil workers will vote for Trump. However, out of the entire USW, the majority will vote for Harris."

This divide is not unique to the USW. The Teamsters, another powerful union, recently chose not to endorse either presidential candidate, breaking from their traditional support for Democratic nominees. Their decision was based on surveys showing rank-and-file members' preference for Trump over Harris.

The USW's approach to the 2024 election contrasts sharply with previous conferences, where members openly displayed political preferences, often wearing pro-Trump MAGA caps. This time, attendees remained largely silent on the presidential race, focusing instead on industry-specific concerns and upcoming contract negotiations slated for 2026.

The union's leadership has been actively involved in various initiatives beyond traditional labor issues. USW has advocated for fair trade policies, environmental sustainability, and healthcare reform. The organization also operates educational programs for its members and promotes gender equality through its Women of Steel initiative.

As the November 5, 2024 election approaches, the USW's internal dynamics reflect broader shifts in the American political landscape. The outcome of the election may well hinge on how union workers and other traditionally Democratic-leaning groups vote in key battleground states.