Late Thursday afternoon, Jack Cooper drivers began unloading brand new Corvettes at GM's Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky, prompting astonishment among plant workers. An employee revealed to the Free Press, "They have never done that before." This unusual unloading order originated from GM, not from Jack Cooper or the Teamsters union. Despite being under contract, GM decided to temporarily suspend all vehicle shipments handled by Jack Cooper out of an abundance of caution, as the automaker engages in intense negotiations with the transport company. GM aims to avoid any transit-related issues that could jeopardize ongoing contract discussions, particularly after Jack Cooper's struggles following Ford's recent contract cancellation. GM's spokesperson Kevin Kelly stated that decades-long partnerships with preferred suppliers like Jack Cooper continue, with both parties negotiating in good faith concerning future arrangements. However, if a new contract is not established, Jack Cooper's operations could face significant downsizing. The impact has already been felt following Ford's withdrawal, leading to job cuts across Jack Cooper's facilities and increased concerns about the future of its workforce. GM's unilateral decisions compounded by the Ford situation have raised questions about Jack Cooper's viability, with its CEO affirming that the company remains open to negotiating a sustainable framework with GM.
