Saturday, September 01, 2007

National Freight Negotiations to Begin Early

Dear Freight Teamsters:

Last week, we met with executives from YRC Worldwide to discuss the upcoming National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) negotiations. We are pleased to report that both sides came to an agreement to begin negotiations early.

Negotiations with Trucking Management, Inc., (TMI), the primary multi-employer bargaining arm of the unionized general freight trucking industry, will begin this fall. The talks will occur sometime after the Teamsters’ two-person meeting, which is scheduled September 13 in Chicago. During the two-person meeting, two representatives from each freight local union will review the contract proposals that will be presented during negotiations.

Early negotiations will benefit both Teamster freight members and the companies. YRC Worldwide asked for the early negotiations, and we agree that protecting its customer base is advantageous to our members.

Early negotiations have been productive and beneficial to our members in the past, and we believe they will be this time around as well. We have many complex, important issues to address. The earlier we start negotiating these issues, the more time we have to come up with solutions that will keep your future secure.

More than 30,000 freight Teamsters recently filled out contract surveys, and we thank you for your participation. Your responses will be an integral part of the contract proposals that we review in Chicago.

We appreciate your support so far, and we look forward to your continued help and support as we negotiate a new national freight contract that will keep you and your families secure for many years to come.

Fraternally,

James P. Hoffa
General President


Tyson Johnson, Director
Teamsters National Freight Division

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