May 22, 2009: Harrisburg Local 776 has called for the International Union to enforce the national freight contract regarding pensions for YRC Teamsters.

The Central Pennsylvania fund has amended its plan to freeze pension accruals for YRC Teamsters from June 1 till the end of 2009; Local 776 is acting to protect the pensions of its members.

In a May 20 letter, Local 776 President Dan Virtue requested that General President Hoffa “do whatever is necessary to reinstate the [pension] accruals that the members deserve and are owed” and to “have pension contributions paid immediately” for YRC Teamsters.

On the same date the local also addressed a letter to the Central Pennsylvania Pension Fund, also calling on them to enforce YRC’s pension obligations. Both letters were also sent to all YRC Teamsters in Local 776.

Virtue’s letter to Hoffa points out that “our members have already given enough through the 10% wage reduction and should not suffer any more losses due to the company’s own poor management.”

YRC Land Deal Still in the Wind

YRC continues to act as if its offer of land as collateral instead of pension payments has been accepted, but we have not heard of any pension fund formally agreeing to it yet.

Reportedly, the Central States Pension Fund and others were asked by General Secretary Treasurer Thomas Keegel not to follow the lead of the Central Pennsylvania fund, and to sit tight and take no action. That doesn’t seem like a real union plan.

Click here to see the Local 776 letter to Hoffa and their letter to the pension fund.

What do you think our union should to protect members' pensions? Click here to send your comments to Teamsters for a Democratic Union.