Teamsters Protest at GM Plants for Fair Wages and Benefits

The Facts -

Workers Protest Against Pay and Benefit Standards at GM's Third-Party Carhaul Operators

Carhaul workers affiliated with the Teamsters union have initiated protests at several General Motors plants, demanding improved wages and benefits. The demonstrations are taking place in Michigan, Kentucky, and Missouri, specifically targeting nonunion carriers working from GM's Flint, Bowling Green, and Wentzville facilities.

Avral Thompson, the President of Local 89 and Director of the Teamsters Carhaul Division, emphasized the reason behind the protests: “Nonunion carriers out of these plants are dragging down standards that Teamsters have fought for decades to win. We are fighting for every union family that depends on these jobs to provide fair wages, strong benefits, and the ability to retire with dignity.”

The union argues that these nonunion operators are undermining the pay and benefits established by the Teamsters' National Master Automobile Transporters Agreement (NMATA). This, they claim, poses a threat to the economic well-being of all union members at these locations, including those in the United Auto Workers (UAW).

The protests coincide with the commencement of national negotiations for a revised NMATA, which is set to expire on August 31. The Teamsters are advocating for a contract that will enhance industry standards by securing higher pay, more robust benefits, and job security for all its members.

In response to these challenges, the Teamsters are prepared to expand their protests and target other nonunion carhaul firms working with major U.S. automakers like Ford Motor Company.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. More information about the union can be found at Teamster.org. They can also be followed on X at @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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