Agreement Will Protect Union’s Freight Members’ Jobs, BenefitsFacing the worst economy since the 1930s, the Teamsters Union and the freight companies of YRC Worldwide Inc. (YRCW) have reached an agreement to provide the company with economic relief that will protect the jobs and retirement security of tens of thousands of Teamsters.
“This agreement will help the company get through this deepening recession and protect the jobs and health, welfare and pension benefits of our freight Teamsters,” said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division. “This is a very difficult time for our members, but this agreement will protect the livelihoods of our members and their families, which is our number one priority.”
The details of the agreement will be discussed on Wednesday, December 3 with leaders of local unions that represent members from the YRCW companies—Yellow Transportation, Roadway, USF Holland and New Penn. If the local leaders approve the plan, Teamster freight members will be asked to ratify the agreement next month. About 40,000 Teamster drivers, dockworkers, clerical employees and others are actively employed at the companies.
“I believe our freight members understand the terrible economic conditions that are battering the trucking industry,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “We are facing the worst economic environment since the Great Depression. We all need to work together to get through this period of uncertainty. This agreement will help protect tens of thousands of our members’ jobs. Failing to act now would be a grave mistake.”
