YRC Bargaining: Economic issues are on the table
Mar. 1, 2019 |  The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) reports bargaining resumed this week for a new National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) applicable to YRC Freight, Holland, and New Penn. The current agreement is set to expire on March 31. This week, comprehensive economic proposals were exchanged by the parties which resulted in a vigorous review of the respective positions. TNFINC Co-Chair Ernie Soehl stated that “obviously, these discussions are becoming more critical and consequential as we go into March and address the most difficult issues. Although we made some progress, the union is disappointed with the wage and benefit package the employer currently has on the table because it simply will not meet the level the members’ deserve or recognize the sacrifice of long-term employees over the past decade.” Nevertheless, the parties have agreed to resume negotiations over the next few weeks to attempt to find a solution. We appreciate the patience of the membership as we strive for the best agreement possible.

Vote results in on three UPS supplements 
Mar. 6, 2019 |  UPS Teamsters covered by the Central Pennsylvania Supplement have ratified the agreement. UPS Teamsters covered by the Western Pennsylvania and Local 243/Metro Detroit supplements have rejected those two agreements. Voting took place over the past several weeks and votes were tallied yesterday. See the vote results here. Another supplement yet to be voted on is the Local 804 Supplement. However, a tentative agreement on the Local 804 Supplement has been reached and a vote will take place in the near future.

Teamsters support Dream and Promise Act
Mar. 13, 2019 |   The Teamsters Union applauds today’s introduction of The Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6). This crucial legislation, which has 130 co-sponsors, would ensure that the future of Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders is secure. Permanent protections for Dreamers and TPS holders must be enacted to stabilize an uncertain and unstable situation for the American economy and population as a whole. The cancellation of these programs has upset the lives of millions of men, women, and children who have done nothing but lived their lives as productive members of our community… Teamsters

Bargaining update: Slow progress on monetary issues
Mar. 18, 2019 |  Bargaining resumed this week for a new NMFA applicable to YRC Freight, Holland, and New Penn. The current agreement is set to expire on March 31. Detailed economic proposals dominated the discussions but the parties ended the week without a consensus about what the long-term wage and benefit package needs to be to retain and attract drivers, dockworkers and other employees with the three companies. Co-chairman Ernie Soehl stated: “The union believes the pool of available money needs to expand if we are to conclude these talks on time. We’ve offered significant operational improvements to grow each company in the expanding e-commerce world and addressed inefficiencies that hinder the growth of each company. We believe those changes are being undervalued by the companies.” The union is very disappointed in the companies’ positions but the parties are scheduled to resume talks next week. Complete update here.

Hoffa marks 20 years as head of the Teamster Union
Mar. 19, 2019 |  Today marks an important milestone in Teamster history. On this date, General President James P. Hoffa became only the second General President to log 20 years as head of the Teamsters Union. “We have accomplished a lot in the last 20 years but there is always more to do. Workers’ rights and the gains we have made never stand still – we are either on the rise or someone is trying to take what we have – we only win by constantly fighting for more.” Reflecting on serving the Teamster membership for 20 years, Hoffa said, “It has been my greatest honor to serve the great men and women of this union… Teamsters

Tentative agreement in principle reached
Mar. 22, 2019 |  The Union and the Company have reached a tentative agreement in principle for a new collective bargaining agreement to succeed the current agreement which is expiring on March 31. TNFINC has granted a contract extension of the current agreement through May 31, 2019 in order to allow the parties to finalize some language and a few supplemental issues as well as to allow the union’s ratification process to take place. As with the union’s practice, details of the tentative agreement will not be released until after they have been reviewed at a two-person meeting which will be scheduled in the near future. Full statement here.