February 21, 2008: Bargaining begins for the national carhaul contract in March, and the concessions at Allied could spread.
Carhaul Teamsters are talking about what we can do to protect our master contract and our Teamster standards.

In late January Teamster carhaul officials met to screen contract proposals and formulate the demands for the national contract that expires May 30. On Feb. 20 local officials will meet again to approve the union’s demands. Bargaining will officially start in March.

Hopefully the good proposals submitted by members and locals will be put on the table, but the fact remains that a large chunk of Teamster carhaulers are stuck under the 2007 Allied concession deal that lasts another two years.

Maybe it’s time for a two-year contract, to bring back our national standards and then bargain at a better time for our members and union.

Concessions May Spread

The 17.5 percent concessions at Allied would spread to a majority of the industry if Allied takes over PTS.

The future of PTS may not be decided until March, or even later. These concessions hang over the bargaining like a dark cloud.

Even though Jack Cooper, Cassens and Active are making profits, they are going to resist major contract improvements over and above the $1 per hour per year that will be required for pension and health and welfare.

That’s why a short-term contract makes sense as part of a plan to rebuild Teamster power in carhaul.

It’s time for our International Union to come forward with a plan to restore our national contract and organize to expand our power, and to be held accountable by members and locals.

Turning our union’s policies over to billionaire Ron Burkle isn’t working. We need a new direction.

To hear what members have to say about a two-year contract and bargaining, click here