March 18, 2011: Allied’s attempt to leverage higher rates from the auto manufacturers, banking on the higher demand for carhaul services, is continuing. Ford apparently agreed to pay Allied higher rates, but Allied has walked away from GM and Chrysler traffic, at least at this time, in the US and in Canada. In a sense, Allied is “on strike” against GM and Chrysler for higher rates to haul their cars, as well as against Honda, Toyota and other foreign manufacturers. Reportedly Allied is demanding a long-term contract from GM.

So the majority of Allied’s Teamsters are not working at this time.

In Canada, Allied is paying drivers to come to the yard and stand around, and has told them if they go to work for another company, they forfeit their Allied job.

Jack Cooper and Cassens are scrambling to pick up traffic. Jack Cooper claims they are taking the traffic (and the Allied drivers) at the Ft. Wayne Indiana GM truck plant, the Bowling Green Kentucky Corvette plant, and in Wentzville Missouri.

The International union leadership, who put all their faith in Ron Burkle and Allied, should do everything possible to make certain that Allied work remains union work.