December 22, 2008: TDU salutes Teamsters who made a difference in 2008, like carhaulers who united to fight concessions. “We learned in 2008 that carhaulers can have power when we get informed, spread the word, and work together,” said Ken Kontrath.Earlier this year, Teamster carhaulers went into national bargaining with the deck stacked against them. But in a decisive vote on August 11, carhaulers united to beat back concessions. They rejected the national contact and...

November 14, 2008: In August, Teamster carhaulers stood up, said No to concessions and won an improved contract as a result. But there’s more work to be done. Carhaulers who are upset with the direction of our industry aren’t giving up. We’re getting organized. Teamster carhaulers who are upset with the direction of our industry met at the TDU Convention in October to make plans to do something about it. Ken Kontrath speaks to the...

September 12, 2008: Our solidarity and our No vote stopped disastrous concessions, but the companies are coming back after us at the Sept. 16-19 negotiations. International Union officials are planning to use our right to strike as a threat against us, not against the employers. Watch out for: “If you don’t vote Yes, we will put you on strike!” No one wants a strike (certainly not the employers!). But watch out for the threat. Our...