YRCW Pension Deal Still in the Wind
May 22, 2009: YRCW plans to put up real estate instead of pension contributions. There’s no deal yet. YRC’s proposal to put up real estate in lieu of payments to Teamster pension funds is still not finalized, as of late May, but the company, the International Union and at least one major pension fund are acting as if it’s a done deal. YRC has made it clear they do not intend to make pension payments...
Temporary Help for Pension Funds
May 22, 2009: Most members covered by Teamster pension plans recently received an Annual Funding Notice in the mail, and some of those letters have been pretty scary. Many of them contain terms like endangered, underfunded, or critical status. References are made to rehabilitation plans, and members are told that early retirement plans could be cut or eliminated. The good news is that in the short run, pension plans received a reprieve via the Worker,...
Freight Teamsters Speak Out
Freight Teamsters are speaking out about what we can do to rebuild Teamster Power. Back to Basics “Teamsters are running scared. We need to get back to basics. Running legal, driving safe and giving up on our greed. That will preserve our work for the long haul. That’s real Teamster unity.”Barry Strohl, YRCLocal 509, Greenville, S.C. We Can Make a Difference With TDU “When my local refused to listen to me and my calls...
YRCW Pensions Frozen in Central Pennsylvania
May 22, 2009: “This [real estate in lieu of pension payments] approach would have no effect on pension benefits for employees.” — Bill Zollars, April 14, 2009 “This means that, for YRCW participants, pension benefits will not increase as a result of service during the Freeze Period.” — Central Pennsylvania Pension Fund, May 14, 2009 The Central Pennsylvania Pension Fund has frozen pension accruals for all YRCW Teamsters from June 1 through the end of...
On the Move to Build TDU
June 03, 2009: Across the country, Teamsters are holding TDU meetings, setting up educational workshops, and getting out Convoy. Teamsters meet in ChicagoThey’re concerned about where our union is going and doing something about it. TDU is giving them the tools to make it happen. Here’s what TDU members have been doing in April and May to build the movement to take back our union. Tim KruegerNASHVILLE, TN Carhaulers from Local 89 and Local 651...
Pension Crisis Calls for Teamster Action
May 22, 2009: Our union needs to mobilize Teamster members and retirees—in the halls of Congress and in the streets—to save our benefits. It’s time for decisive action. Teamster members are facing the worst pension crisis in the history of our union. This crisis is not the fault of Teamster members. We worked hard, played by the rules and saved for the future—sacrificing wage increases to fund good pensions. Defined benefit pensions are the most...
Turning Up the Heat to Defend a Steward
May 27, 2009: When UPS management tried to get rid of an assertive Oklahoma steward, they didn’t know what they were in for. Members and local officials mobilized to put the member back to work. And a few days later the center manager was out of a job. March 30 was a wet, stormy day in Oklahoma. Doug Hisle, a package car driver out of the Lawton building, was delivering his route on a dirt...
Electronic OJS: UPS Rolls Out New Spyware
June 3, 2009: UPS is implementing new technology that allows management to monitor drivers like never before. UPS’s new spyware began with an upgrade to the DIAD software that the company calls ODSE (On Demand Services Enhancement). The software allows management to monitor drivers’ routes on a computer screen in the center. Management can call up a snapshot of the entire center or any individual or combination of routes. The company says that the technology...
Carhaulers Win Back Lost Jobs
May 29, 2009: When Ramp Management tried to bust our union, members fought back—and now they’re back at work. Members of Local 325 covered by a yard agreement under the carhaul contract are going back to work with nearly $160,000 in back pay, thanks to a National Labor Board settlement. In September, 2008, Ramp Management took over the yard and rail work for production out of the Chrysler Belvidere, Ill. plant. The company pointedly stated...
Carhaul Consolidation Active Takes Over Jack Cooper
May 22, 2009: Jack Cooper Teamsters got a new boss in May, when Active Acquisitions bought a majority stake in Jack Cooper Transport. Michael Riggs is the principal owner of Active. But Tim Cooper, in a letter to Jack Cooper employees, says that he is retaining his role with the new company. Insiders say that is likely to continue. Jack Cooper will operate separately, at least for now. The combination could make it a stronger...