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NTEU Backs Kamala Harris for 2024 Presidential Bid
The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign for the 2024 presidential election. This endorsement adds to the growing list of labor organizations supporting Harris, which includes the American Federation of Government Employees and the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, both of whom are affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
This shift in endorsements comes in light of Harris’ rise as the Democratic nominee following a summer decision when President Biden withdrew from the race. Previously, both the AFGE and IFPTE had endorsed Biden before updating their stances to support Harris.
NTEU President Doreen Greenwald highlighted Harris’ long-standing commitment to federal workers in her endorsement statement. “Kamala Harris clearly prioritizes respect for federal employees, their contributions, and investments in their work,” she stated. “Her values align with ours, ensuring that the federal government is responsive to all Americans. Her advocacy covers critical issues for federal employees, including fair wages, paid family leave, sufficient agency funding, adequate staffing, and strong collective bargaining rights.”
While the endorsement did not explicitly reference Harris’ opponent, former President Donald Trump, his previous administration’s approach to labor and workforce issues could have influenced NTEU’s choice. During his presidency, Trump aimed to diminish the role of labor within the federal framework and proposed measures that would eliminate civil service protections for numerous federal workers in policy-related roles. He has expressed intentions to reinstate those policies if he returns to office.
Greenwald also emphasized Harris’ history of collaboration with the NTEU and her respect for the non-partisan nature of civil service. “Harris has spent much of her career in public service, enabling her to comprehend the critical role skilled civil servants play in our democracy,” she remarked. “She champions the cause of workers and their unions, acknowledging that an organized and empowered federal workforce is essential for delivering quality public services.”
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