One Teamster’s Opinion: Now Is the Time for Action
June 26, 2009: The days are over of just paying our dues and not showing up at union meetings and just letting our leaders take care of our business. We are in a fight that is going to take every rank-and-file Teamster to get in and help. It’s clear we need to change our union leadership and shift our energy to direct action. Are our jobs and benefits being protected? I don't see it. Now...
Drivers Take Concessions at Star Tribune
June 25, 2009: It's been superseded by events, but since the settling of the drivers' contract dispute was the probable trigger for last night's announcement of the Strib's reorganization plan, here are a few details you didn't read in the daily: Click here to read more at MinnPost.com.
Working Together for YRC Is a Two Way Street
June 25, 2009: While YRC Teamsters are discussing how to protect the company and Teamster jobs, some management people are showing a lack of concern for Teamster employees on layoff. A certain Area Director of Operations has just issued an order that no laid-off Teamsters in his territory are to work three days in a week, and thus qualify for Central States Health and Welfare coverage. The order clearly states two days is the maximum,...
Workers Rally in 20 Cities to Stop Plant Closing
June 25, 2009: On Tuesday, workers and community supporters rallied in front of Wells Fargo banks in 20 cities across the country to stop the closing of Quad Cities Die-Casting in Moline, Ill. Members of the United Electrical Workers union are fighting to save 80 good union jobs at the family-owned company. Wells Fargo has cut off credit to the manufacturer, even though it’s not in bankruptcy and its business is fundamentally sound. Last year,...
YRC Wants to Modify Labor Agreements
June 25, 2009: YRC Worldwide Inc., again seeking cost cuts, will start talks Monday to modify the labor agreement with its biggest union. The Overland Park-based trucking company (Nasdaq: YRCW) said late Wednesday that discussions with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters will look at ways to lower YRC’s cost structure and maintain operating capital. Click here to read more at the Kansas City Business Journal.
UPDATED: Freight Teamsters Are Making Their Voices Heard
June 24, 2009: Hundreds of freight Teamsters have contacted Teamsters for a Democratic Union to share their concerns and ideas about the proposed concessions with YRC. Below is just a sample of comments from freight Teamsters across the union. Members are concerned and angry. They want to save YRC jobs and our Teamster foothold in freight. How to do that and still promote Teamster solidarity? Freight Teamsters can be a force for change in our...
YRC: Bargain to Protect Jobs
June 22, 2009: The International Union is in talks with YRC with a proposal to defer employer pension contributions for 14 months. The aim is to help restore the company’s profitability. Download a bulletin you can distribute to other freight Teamsters.We think another issue needs to be put on the table: protecting good union jobs and the health of our union in trucking. The corporation’s savings from a 14-month pension deferral would be about $500...
Teamsters proposal would give YRC more operating cash
June 22, 2009: YRC Worldwide Inc. may get more leeway from its major union, which would provide more operating cash. Representatives from freight locals of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union, which represents most YRC (Nasdaq: YRCW) workers, met last week in Chicago to talk about the company’s operating and financial condition, the Teamsters said in an update. Based on internal and independent financial analyses of the company, the representatives unanimously agreed to let a...
Can Freight Teamsters Be a Force for Change?
June 19, 2009: Hundreds of freight Teamsters have contacted TDU during the YRC concession crisis. They are concerned and they are angry. The question is: can we come together and be a force for change? Bill Zollar’s reckless mismanagement has driven YRC to the brink of disaster. However they plan to vote, YRC Teamsters know the latest concessions plan is a stop-gap measure at best. We need a union program for rebuilding Teamster power in...
Boston Goon Squad Update
June 18, 2009: The assault on Local 82 members and their seniority rights continues. "Hoffa appointee John Perry and Local 82 enforcer Joseph "JoJo" Burhoe. John Perry is at it again. The principal officer of Boston Local 82 and the director of the International Union’s Trade Show Division has forced through another contract that guts the seniority rights of Boston trade show Teamsters, this time at Champion Exposition Services. Critics charge that Perry is violating...