Union Leaders’ Political Alignment Sparks Controversy
Vice President JD Vance and several House Republicans are championing union-friendly legislation, marking a shift for the Republican Party. The Railway Safety Act is highlighted as a measure to create union jobs, despite concerns it might not improve safety. Critics argue the strategy aims to gain blue-collar workers’ support and a Teamsters endorsement for 2028, raising questions about economic impacts and deregulation.
A watchdog report accuses a major railroad union of funneling money to Democratic causes opposing the Trump administration, potentially alienating its MAGA-supporting members. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED-IBT), representing 37,000 members, allegedly supported Democratic priorities through questionable spending, according to the American Accountability Foundation (AAF).
The report suggests the union leadership’s progressive alignment contradicts the preferences of its working-class members who favor Trump’s agenda. It documents the union’s attacks on Trump during his presidency, accusing him of undoing Obama’s legacy and pursuing dangerous deregulation efforts. Additionally, the union supported causes like Black Lives Matter and universal health care, while maintaining ties with Democratic figures such as Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García and Dina Titus.
The report highlights a disconnect between the union leadership and its rank-and-file members, many of whom support the Trump-Vance agenda. Despite reported support, union leadership has allegedly failed to recognize this realignment.
BMWED-IBT’s spending is scrutinized in the report. Allegedly, the union directed over $441,098 to “left-wing” organizations, with substantial donations to the Center for American Progress and the National Democratic Club. A significant sum also backed the National Teamsters Hispanic Caucus, known for opposing Trump’s immigration policies.
The union’s Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education (D.R.I.V.E.) PAC heavily favored Democratic committees in its spending, with donations of about $13.76 million compared to approximately $729,846 supporting Republicans. Polling indicates many BMWED-IBT members backed Trump, with exit polls showing Trump received 56% of the working-class vote without a college degree in 2024.
The report also exposes leadership’s alleged “massive wasteful spending,” noting two-thirds of headquarters staff earned six-figure salaries while average members earned $61,692. Claims suggest union dues funded high salaries and expenditure, including $7.25 million on hotels and conferences from 2017 to 2024.
The union reportedly spent $2.33 million at casinos and resorts in the same period, including a $522,281 payment to Caesars Entertainment in 2023. Critics argue the spending reflects leadership’s misplaced priorities.
BMWED-IBT leadership rebuts the report. Union President Tony D. Cardwell claims they have achieved fiscal responsibility and prioritize members’ interests. He states political donations are voluntary and not from union dues, emphasizing their bipartisan efforts for better policies.
Despite Democratic affiliations, the union collaborates with Republicans on rail safety legislation. They have supported the Secure Tracks Act, focusing on human and automated track inspections. Cardwell notes increased Republican support and strengthened ties with Trump.
Fox News Digital reports show BMWED-IBT engaging with Republican-backed safety legislation, particularly after a freight train caused a chemical spill in Ohio. The AAF previously published a similar report involving the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, criticizing their leadership’s Democratic endorsements.