Teamster leaders negotiating the National Master Automobile Transporters Agreement said both sides remain apart on key issues, but they are cautiously optimistic that the issues will be resolved.

National contract talks resume May 18-31 in Arlington, Virginia.

“We remain apart on key issues but we are making progress and we are cautiously optimistic that we will resolve the differences by the end of this month,” said Fred Zuckerman, Director of the Teamsters Carhaul Division.

The agreement, when reached, would be retroactive to May 31, when the current contract expires.

“When we are done, I fully expect that we will have protected our members’ health, welfare and pension benefits, and increased their job security,” Zuckerman said.

The current contract covers about 9,000 workers.

Meanwhile, carhaul Teamsters are invited to attend two of the remaining meetings at local unions to give input on what issues should be the priorities at the bargaining table.

Meetings have already been held in Detroit; Toledo, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and in Louisville, Kentucky.

The following meetings are scheduled:

• Dallas, Texas, Local 745, noon Sunday, May 4,

• Buffalo, New York, Local 449, 9 a.m. Saturday, May 10, and

• Lansing, Michigan, Local 580, 7 a.m. Monday, May 12.