May 9, 2007: The Hoffa administration threatened just enough Allied Teamsters to narrowly pass concessions in April.

There is a lesson in that vote for all of us. In the locals where carhaulers distributed TDU information and talked to fellow members, the concessions were voted down. We needed more TDU members, more outreach, and a stronger network.

We can’t wait till it’s too late: many Allied Teamsters got in touch with us after the vote.

Concessions May Spread
Other carriers—Jack Cooper and PMT, Cassens, and Active—are now pressing to get concessions like the 17 percent reduction given to Allied.

Yucaipa will do the same with their PTS operation. Industry analysts expect Yucaipa to position PTS and Allied for an eventual merger to achieve greater density and efficiency.

Carhaulers are asking how Allied can be part of the same master contract, while making 17 percent less. At the same time, we need an effective organizing program.

If the Hoffa administration wants to lead a campaign to save our contract, Teamsters, including TDU members, will get behind them in that effort. But we can’t hold our breath waiting for that.

Time To Organize
We need to organize now to defend the contract, and let the carriers know we will not approve any concessions.

We need to stand united to say that as soon as Allied makes a profit, it will be time to demand the concessionary pact be reopened, to bring Allied Teamsters back up to scale.

We need to demand that retiree health benefits be restored, and a plan to restore our 25-and-out and 30-and-out benefits our union won in the past.

Carhaulers in Teamsters for a Democratic Union have a proud history and believe together we can build a strong Teamster future.

We invite you to contact us to find out how you can be part of making it happen.