April 2, 2010: Article 44 contains the following language that drivers can use to protect jobs from subcontracting: “However, if sufficient freight is generated in the future to provide loads returning to the home domicile, the run shall be performed by members of the bargaining unit.”

If the company is violating Article 44 in your area, your first step is to gather the evidence. Here’s what to document:

• Trailer numbers and loads that are being handled by subcontractors on inbound and outbound freight
• When each load leaves or arrives your terminal
• Where the loads are going to or coming from

Once you have evidence, file a grievance. And make sure you pass along copies of all your documentation to your union representative.

Ask your union rep to request more information from the company, including freight manifests from your terminal and the inbound and outbound terminals where the subcontractors are coming from or headed to.

Work with your union rep to pull together all the available evidence and dismantle the company’s case.

Want advice for documenting subcontracting grievances? Click here to contact TDU for advice.