Hoffa Abolishes Chicago Contracts

December 7, 2009: In an unprecedented power grab, Hoffa has claimed the authority to abolish the Chicago-area freight contracts, and imposed the National Master Freight Agreement on 2,000 Teamsters, most of whom work for YRC.

The five affected locals—179, 301, 673, 705, and 710—were apparently not even consulted, nor were the members given a vote on abolishing their contracts. The attack came on Nov. 24 via a three paragraph memo.

How can this memo overturn a signed and binding contract between a local union and the employers, which does not expire until 2013? Chicago Teamsters are demanding an answer to that question.

The reason for the power grab became clear a week later when International Vice President Pat Flynn and Freight Director Tyson Johnson showed up at the Chicagoland YRC and Holland terminals to give the members a hard sell to approve concessions.

Essentially it came down to this: vote Yes or YRC will close its doors. The Dec. 8 vote will be after we go to press.

The Chicago locals have bargained separately for 45 years, generally getting the same wage increases but setting a better standard on some terms.

This has benefited all freight Teamsters, because higher standards in one area make it easier for others to win those improvements in the next round.

The late James R. Hoffa once stood in front of the Local 705 membership and urged the freight members to give him the power to bargain their contract. They voted No.

Another Hoffa now wants to deny them any right to vote.

But Chicago Teamsters are not ready to take it lying down.

Get Advice Join TDU Donate

Recent News

Yellow Terminals Sold for $1.9 Billion – XPO and Estes are Big Buyers

Most of Yellow’s terminal properties closed at auction on December 4, with XPO the biggest buyer, paying $870 million or nearly half of the $1.9 billion that the 128 properties yielded. XPO bought 28 properties and Estes bought 24.

Online Workshop: From Contract Campaign to Contract Enforcement

Hear from UPS Teamsters and guest speaker Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien about moving from contract campaign to contract enforcement this Sunday, December 10 at 12 PM EST/11 AM CT/10 AM MT/9AM PT. Register now.

View More News Posts