Carhaulers React Against Concessions

December 1, 2007: Carhaulers have reacted with anger and disgust over the latest move to gut the national carhaul contract, and pay members a bonus to impose concessions on fellow Teamsters. Years of struggle to win a good contract are on the line as Yucaipa—which controls the two largest carhaul companies—moves to spread concessions with the blessing of the Hoffa administration.

Tim Krueger, a Local 89 Allied driver out of Bowling Green Kentucky summed up what many are saying: “I wouldn’t vote for any kind of concessions for my fellow Teamsters. We were screwed by Allied and by the International when they shoved the 17 percent cut down our throats. Seems strange that five months ago Allied was bankrupt, and now they are buying a bankrupt PTS. Wake up Teamsters! If they can afford to buy PTS they should be able to pay us.”

Years to Win Gains: Quickie Vote to Give Away

The International Union plans to mail the ballots to all Allied Teamsters on Monday, Dec. 3, and count them on Dec. 19 to impose concessions on PTS Teamsters. A sales pitch from the union is already in the mail. This has to be the fastest national concession vote in Teamster history.

Thanks to a successful lawsuit by TDU attorney Barbara Harvey, there will be independent rank-and-file observers at the vote count.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, Carhaul Director Fred Zuckerman came to Detroit to sell the deal to Michigan carhaulers from Locals 299, 614, 332, and 580. When the questioning got heavy, he abruptly left to go to the Ft. Wayne Local 414 Allied meeting scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Other International Reps are selling it at meetings in numerous locals on December 1 and 2.

Zuckerman turned most of the Detroit meeting over to Allied’s CEO Mark Gendregske, who delivered the sales pitch. CEOs seem to be a regular feature of Zuckerman’s entourage. A high point came when he was asked directly if the $2,000 bonus was designed to “buy votes.” Gendregske replied “Yes.” Such honesty, when standing next to Zuckerman, has to be appreciated. Allied personnel have been visiting PTS terminals this week to look over the facilities.

Click here for the more information on the latest move to break our carhaul contract.

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