The carhaul referendum ballot count concluded Tuesday evening. The concession package was defeated by members across the nation. The unofficial count for the Master is Yes- 2076 & No- 2939.  The Central-Southern Supplement is Yes- 1500 & No- 2555.  The Eastern Supplement is  Yes- 304 & No- 316.  Members at most Local Unions made it clear, they are very unhappy with the proposals. See how each local voted in this referendum. (www.tdu.org)

Thanks to each member who cast their No votes and to those who participated as “Observers” at the Washington, DC area counting site!

The Carhaul ballots are to be picked up and counted on Aug. 12th. Two of us from our Local will be observers at the ballot count. There are reports of ballots having been received by those who should not be voting, such as retired, resigned, discharged, or even dead. We need the names and locals of each of these types that members have solid first hand information about. Any ideas or suggestions to insure that the members get a fair and honest ballot count would be greatly appreciated.

Most members I have spoke with are fully aware of what is at stake, and are voting “NO”.  Times may be difficult for several reasons, but giving in or giving up all the proposals contained in the package our “Leaders” have tried to sell to us, won’t make times any better for rank and file members!  How many solid proposals submitted by the members to our “Leaders” have been advanced into proposed language changes?

Effective Leaders find a way, others find excuses. That is all we have heard since the first membership survey went out, and in every Carhaul Update since……excuses….. excuses!  While our Leaders are selling us a poor bag of goods, the employers are already planning their next move, should this can of worms is voted down. We need to be sure the members “NO” is heard loud and clear. Any changes made to our NMATA contract must be substantive and of “mutual” benefit. Many needed changes are LONG overdue such as, legal trip routing for every load. Corrective adjustments made when company is notified that a given route is shorted due to truck or weight restrictions. Simplify much of the ambiguous or confusing language. An agreed dictionary for the terminology and terms. Require that ALL panel and arbitration cases and decisions contain clear details as to why and how the matter was presented, argued and decided, then posting the results on line with a content “search” feature.  Since this won’t be done by our leaders, it must get done by the members…..get involved, get informed and get organized and focused and get busy!  I can honestly say that no organization can help do this better than TDU!  Your voice, your vote, your future!   PS…. vote “NO”!