Auction for PTS Called Off

March 13, 2008: The sale of PTS has been called off because there was only one qualified bidder, according to papers filed in federal bankruptcy court on March 11.

The company has not revealed the identity of the bidder, but people close to the process believe it is Black Diamond, PTS’s largest creditor.

PTS CEO Jeff Cornish is telling Teamsters that he hopes PTS will emerge from bankruptcy as a stand-alone company with less debt. In a March 12 letter to employees, he says the negotiation of a new contract is a priority for the new ownership.

Will this mean an attempt to get concessions? Cornish tells Teamsters that he cannot compete with Allied when they pay 17.5% less in wages.

IBT Carhaul Director Fred Zuckerman and the Hoffa administration have tried to ensure that PTS is acquired by Ron Burkle and merged into Allied. This is looking less likely.

A motion for an injunction to prevent the implementation of changes in Allied’s concessionary agreement that would extend the concessions to PTS Teamsters, has therefore been postponed. That motion, filed by PTS drivers, Allied drivers and Teamster Local 604, was scheduled for March 17 in bankruptcy court in Georgia.

Carhaul Bargaining Begins

Carhaul bargaining begins on March 17 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

You can take a look for yourself at the union proposals, which TDU is making available to Teamsters.

Click here to see the union’s proposals for the Master Agreement.

Click here for the union’s proposals for the Central & Southern Supplement.

We will post the Eastern and Western supplement proposals as they become available. Keep in mind these proposals can be added to and amended. They need a whole lot more meat to address the needs of carhaulers.

Lawsuit Needs Your Help

PTS and Allied Teamsters, along with St. Louis Local 604 have filed a motion in federal bankruptcy court to try to prevent Allied from changing the concession term sheet, so they can impose a 17.5 percent cut on PTS Teamsters. This is in the event that Allied takes over PTS.

No matter what happens, donations are urgently needed to help defray the costs of the lawsuit. You can donate via a secure website at www.teamsters604.org. You’ll see “Help fight carhaul concessions.” Pitch in some solidarity today.

Get Informed—Get in Touch

Carhaulers need to stand together, or we will hang separately.

Stay in the loop. Click here to get regular updates from TDU about the fight to protect our standards in carhaul.

Do you have a question or an idea about carhaul bargaining? Click here to send a comment, suggestion, or question to Teamsters for a Democratic Union.

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