April 24, 2013: The IBT approved the YRC system-wide change of operations with some slight modifications following the hearing in Dallas on April 19. See the attached proposal and final decision. The company’s method of bidding incorporates both follow the work and pool bidding. Some locals proposed changes in the bidding, but they were shot down. The telephone bid will be conducted on May 11, 2013 with implementation no sooner than May 19. The company...

Updated April 22, 2013: The IBT and ABF have agreed to extend bargaining another 30 days, as ABF continues to demand big cuts in health care, pensions and wages.  The extension now runs until the end of May. According to an IBT Bulletin issued late yesterday, ABF is demanding that Teamsters pay $240 per month for family health coverage, with reduced benefits; big cuts in pension contributions, which would have the effect of removing ABF...

UPDATED April 16, 2013 2:00 p.m. EDT: YRC has given another extension on its deadline to lock-out 200 union mechanics at 15 terminals. Bargaining is scheduled to continue today. Meanwhile, the Hoffa administration has taken the company’s side, but some Teamster members are choosing solidarity instead of sorry-assity. This Teamster rank and file solidarity may be what is bringing management back to the table. The mechanics, who are members of the International Association of Mechanics...