Teamster carhaulers are wondering how anyone who accomplishes nothing for 243 days can keep their job. But IBT Carhaul Directors Kevin Moore and Roy Gross have done just that. 

The contract expired at the end of August, and nearly eight months later the Hoffa leadership has done almost nothing. We say “almost” because they did do one thing: they tried to sell a concessionary deal that members rejected by 84% back in October.

This week the IBT issued a statement that they remain far apart from the employers on wages and on retroactivity. Then they announced they demand an audit of the carriers. Apparently it took them all this time to come up with this idea.

Local 89 President Fred Zuckerman questioned why the IBT negotiators didn’t demand an agreement of retroactivity when they gave the employers a contract extension eight months ago. By failing to do that, the union is now bargaining over what should have been settled last year.

Meanwhile, working carhaulers are circulating petitions and calling for the negotiating committee to be reconstituted, to give voice to the 84% of members who rejected concessions. 

Interested carhaulers should go to the “union carhaul” page on Facebook to join in discussion with brothers and sisters who are fed up with sell-out leaders. If they can’t even bargain a reasonable contract, with no concessions, in a period of economic boom in the auto industry, what good are they? 

The Hoffa administration seems to be waiting for carhaulers to get so tired of waiting they will settle for concessions. Let’s stay united, focused on a good contract, and demand honest representation at the bargaining table.