Teamster Negotiators Aim to Reverse Work Loss for Unionized Carhaulers

With about three weeks remaining before the expiration of a national labor contract, motor vehicle transporters want to do more than simply avoid a strike. They want an agreement with the Teamsters union that will reverse a long-term decline in the unionized carhaul industry.

Although negotiations started in February, bargaining over key changes in the National Master Automobile Transporters Agreement is expected to begin this week in Washington, D.C. The current contract expires May 31.

Teamsters President Jim Hoffa warned automakers last month that he may take union auto haulers on strike, and last week members began voting on whether to authorize a strike "or other economic action" to win a good contract.

In 1995, the Teamsters called a selective strike against Ryder Automotive Carrier Division. That business has since been acquired by Allied System of Decatur, Ga.

Hoffa said the carhaul industry generated $2 billion in revenue in 1998, and he criticized employers for what he called "takeaways and give backs."

"We are united to win," he said. "We need better pensions, improved health and welfare plans and accurate paychecks."

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