Teamsters Negotiate Tentative Agreement for Newly Organized USF Reddaway Workers

Proposed Five-Year Contract Would Increase Wages, Improve Pensions

The Teamsters Union has won a tentative agreement covering newly organized USF Reddaway workers that will significantly improve their wages, pensions, health care and other benefits, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced today.

"This is a strong first contract that will create an incentive for other USF Reddaway workers to join the Teamsters," Hoffa said. "There are about 2,000 unorganized drivers and dockworkers at Reddaway who are seeking a more secure future as well."

The tentative agreement covers about 425 workers who recently chose to join the Teamsters through card-check at seven former USF Bestway terminals in California, Arizona and New Mexico. USF Reddaway has since merged with USF Bestway.

The tentative, five-year agreement also would improve the workers' health and welfare benefits, eliminate a co-pay for health coverage, improve vacation time, provide a safety bonus incentive plan, and provide card-check recognition as spelled out in the union's National Master Freight Agreement.

"The tentative agreement signifies the strength of the Teamsters Union to negotiate strong collective bargaining agreements," said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division. "Since 1903 the Teamsters have been fighting to improve the working lives of men and women in North America. A Teamster contract is a boon to every family. We are proud to call employees of USF Reddaway part of the Teamster family."

The Teamsters represent about 1,600 workers at USF Reddaway. USF Reddaway, based in Clackamas, Oregon, serves 15 states and two western Canadian provinces.