For decades, union workers have been a cornerstone of Democratic support. Yet, the tides are changing as more and more of them feel betrayed by the very leaders who are supposed to represent their best interests. This shift is no longer happening in the shadows; it has captured public attention, particularly when key figures from traditionally Democratic unions reveal their disillusionment.
One such instance was when Rich Sauritch, a steelworker, made waves by announcing his plans to vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming election, despite being a lifelong Democrat. “I don’t care what you see on TV,” Sauritch told the New Yorker. “The grunts in the lunchroom love Trump.”
Discontent Among Union Workers
Union members, long known for their focus on fair wages, safe working conditions, and respectful treatment, are increasingly frustrated. This frustration stems not from their values but from the stark disconnect between their goals and the actions of their leaders. While these rank-and-file workers fight for better lives, union leadership appears more concerned with personal gain and political clout.
Poll after poll shows Donald Trump as a clear favorite among the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The reason? Union members see him as someone who represents their interests far more than the Democratic leaders they once supported.
Abandoning the Democratic Party
It’s not just the steelworkers making the jump to Trump. Union workers across industries are realizing that the Democratic Party no longer has their backs. Democrats receive more than $1 billion in political and election support from unions every cycle. Yet, they’ve been more than willing to overlook corrupt union bosses who exploit the very members they’re supposed to protect.
Consider how Kamala Harris recently endorsed a high-profile strike led by Harold Daggett, the boss of the International Longshoremen’s Association. Despite his annual salary and bonuses nearing $900,000, Daggett has threatened to “cripple” the economy if his demands aren’t met. He drives a Bentley while many of his union workers struggle to make ends meet.
“The grunts in the lunchroom love Trump,” said Sauritch. Yet, despite Daggett’s out-of-touch lifestyle and accusations from the Department of Justice linking him to the Genovese crime family, Harris and other Democrats continue to support him.
Union Leadership: Out of Touch
The disconnect between union leadership and the rank and file couldn’t be clearer. For example, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Washington state rejected a generous 30% pay increase and called for a strike, demanding 40% instead. While their members fought for higher wages, union leaders enjoyed vacations on Mexican beaches, a move that left many union workers outraged.
“It’s little wonder why union members are running away from Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party,” Sauritch added.
Meanwhile, progressive politicians like Senators Bernie Sanders and Patty Murray stand with the union bosses’ tactics, seemingly unaware of how out of touch these actions are with the everyday struggles of their dues-paying members.
Corruption in Unions: A Growing Issue
In August, the U.S. Justice Department indicted two former presidents of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers for embezzling $20 million from their members. Similarly, two former United Auto Workers leaders were sentenced to over two years in prison for corruption. Despite these scandals, Democratic politicians remain silent, failing to condemn the leaders who continue to exploit union members.
Moreover, Democratic politicians have refused to advocate for right-to-work laws, which would allow workers to leave a corrupt union without risking their jobs. Their refusal to speak out against union leadership corruption is a telling sign of where their priorities lie.
The Political Fallout
As this unholy alliance between corrupt union leaders and Democratic politicians continues, more and more exploited union members are abandoning the party. With elections looming, the political consequences of this betrayal will become clear. For many union members, Donald Trump represents a more honest option—someone who won’t turn a blind eye to their struggles.
It’s only a matter of time before the fallout of this alliance hits the Democratic Party hard. When that happens, we may finally see this long-standing political relationship begin to crumble.
