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Teamster Strike Looms in Carhaul Contract Showdown

31 May 1999

International Brotherhood of Teamsters: National Car, Truck Delivery Strike Looms As Jim Hoffa and Teamsters Meet in Carhaul Contract Showdown

Profitable Car Delivery Companies Willing to Force a Strike To Make Workers Accept Concessions

Teamsters Stand Firm on Demands for a Contract That Raises Pension and Pay, Keeps Full-Time Jobs in U.S.


    WASHINGTON, May 31 -- The following was issued today by the
International Brotherhood of Teamsters:

    New car and truck showrooms around the country could be empty if the
owners of the nation's largest new-vehicle delivery companies are successful
in forcing Teamster carhaul workers to strike.

    Contract talks between the owners of the 17 major new vehicle delivery
companies and 12,800 Teamsters drivers, mechanics, yard workers, and office
workers employed by carhaul companies are at loggerheads.  The current
contract is set to expire at midnight tonight.

    Some erroneous media reports indicate that the contract has been extended
until June 4.  There is no factual basis to these reports as there has been no
discussion among the negotiators at this point about an extension of the
contract.  A strike could start at 12:01 am tomorrow (Tuesday, June 1).  Talks
are ongoing in Arlington, Virginia.

    Despite enjoying record profits boosted by the high volume of new vehicle
sales, carhaul companies are demanding a 30 percent pay cut for new employees,
the right to use part-time workers, and the ability to transfer work to
Mexican-owned trucking companies.

    In a democratic show of unity and support for Jim Hoffa and his
negotiating team, Teamster carhaulers recently voted 96 percent to 4 percent
to give the union the authority to call a strike at midnight should a
settlement not be reached today.

    "The Teamsters union is united and serious about fighting for the things
that our members' families need," said Teamsters President Jim Hoffa.  "People
are buying new cars in record numbers.  The industry is making big money.
It's time the owners shared the profits with the people doing the hard work."

    Teamster carhaul members and union negotiators remain steadfast in their
opposition to the owners' demands for concessions.  Teamster contract
proposals for a new four-year contract seek pension improvements, stronger job
security language, and pay increases, among other items.  Studies have shown
that the carhaul delivery drivers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the
freight industry.

    "We have delivered a clear message to management that the Teamsters union
will not accept the big concessions that management wants in this contract,"
said Doc Conder, the union's chief negotiator.  "We are prepared to stay at
the table until midnight to get a fair contract for our members."