Car Hauler Union Contract Talks to Begin
Major car haul carriers and the Teamsters are beginning talks June 10 on a contract to replace the current agreement that expires Aug. 31.
The union, which bargains through the National Automobile Transporters Industry Negotiating Committee disclosed the beginning of talks with the National Automobile Transporters Labor Division, saying the Teamsters represent about 6,000 workers.
That group represents major union carriers Jack Cooper Holdings and Cassens Transport, which rank Nos. 37 and 83, respectively, on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.
“We look forward to meeting with the employer group . . . to begin negotiations in earnest to address our members’ top concerns, which include protecting their health, welfare and pension benefits and improving job security,” said Kevin Moore, director of the Teamsters Carhaul Division in a statement. “We realize we face many challenging issues, but our committee is prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure our members’ interests are addressed at the bargaining table.”
Jack Cooper and Cassens rank as the largest and third-largest car haulers, with combined revenue exceeding $1 billion and about 70% of the industry revenue as shown in the for-hire TT100, moving new cars and light trucks from manufacturers to dealers or to rail facilities. United Road Haulers is No. 2 among car haulers.
Last week, the union and management exchanged proposals that outline changes in the current agreement, which took effect in 2011. The exchange followed the June 3 approval by local unions of the contract proposals.
Since the last contract, Jack Cooper acquired Allied Systems Holdings, another unionized car hauler.
