Teamsters strike No. 2 auto transporter

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2008/06/09/daily8.html

Monday, June 9, 2008 - 3:29 PM MDT

New Mexico Business Weekly - by Megan Kamerick NMBW Staff

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters went on strike today against Performance Transportation Services Inc.

The nationwide strike affects 24 terminals, including one in Albuquerque, and about 1,250 Teamster employees at the Performance Transportation Services' companies: Leaseway Motorcar Transport Co., E. and L. Transport Co., and Hadley Auto Transport and Transportation Releasing.

Performance Transportation is the second largest car transporter in the country. Employees haul vehicles for Ford (NYSE: F), General Motor (NYSE: GM), Toyota (NYSE: TM) and other manufacturers.

Performance Transportation Services emerged from bankruptcy in early 2007. Ten months later, Performance declared bankruptcy again -- for reasons that included the rising costs of Teamsters' labor -- and said it would liquidate.

The strike is over a pay cut approved in U.S. bankruptcy court. According to Performance Transportation's Web site, the company sought a 15 percent reduction in wages for all union members for an eight-week period ending July 31. During that time, it is to come up with a business plan and negotiate a new contract with the Teamsters.

Teamster officials said they are on strike to enforce their bargaining table demands.

FULL story at link.