Carhaul: What You Don’t Know May Hurt You

June 27, 2008: The International Union is being even more secretive than usual about what is in the proposed tentative carhaul contract.

As reports of concessions leak out, members are ready to demand some answers.

We know that it’s a three-year deal, which very likely means that Allied Teamsters would get stuck with an extra year of wage cuts: their concession deal expires in two years, but has no “snap back” clause to automatically bring them back to union scale. A two-year contract would put all carhaulers back on the same page.

We also know that only about half of PTS Teamsters who were called out on strike by the leadership have been able to follow their work to other union jobs. The International Union, rather than fighting for the strikers, instead posted a lie on June 13 that the “vast majority of our PTS members have gone to work for other Teamster-represented companies.”

We know Article 48 got serious attention because IBT Carhaul Director Fred Zuckerman floated possible changes on a tour of local meetings in April and May. Reportedly the pact gives away equalization of loads. This means you could be on layoff status while Teamsters from other locations get back hauls out of your terminal. Teamsters and locals will be played off against each other. Other reports are that this proposed deal would allow multiple dispatches away from the home terminal. Teamsters could be out on the road for a week or more, much like non-union drivers.

If deep concessions are given, our rights may be lost forever. The key is to avoid serious giveaways.

A two-year deal with a wage freeze: Is that too much to ask?

Fighting to protect Teamster work and jobs: Is that too much to ask?

On July 2, we will post the terms of the contract and supplements. Get informed, talk with other Teamsters, and use the power of your vote on the contract.

What do you think? Click here to share your comments or questions.

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