October 15, 2009: In votes counted today, some 1,000 YRC dock workers again rejected the concession proposal, and by a larger margin than in August.
The rejection among dock workers was by a vote of 486-242. The janitors rejected it by 9-2, and the office workers passed their contract by a vote of 59-46. A number of concerned Local 710 Teamsters, from the office and dock, showed up to observe the count.
“We had a larger turnout, and a strong No vote,” said dock steward Joe Dutka. “Most of us feel we have given enough and at some point we need to hold our ground as Teamsters.”
The big rejection vote came despite heavy pressure from Local 710 Secretary-Treasurer Pat Flynn and threats from YRCW management to route freight elsewhere as punishment.
Management followed up on such a threat in Cleveland this week, where they laid off 20 of 64 mechanics after those Local 964 Teamsters again rejected the concessions.
Teamsters are hopeful that their clear demonstration of solidarity will push Flynn and the International Union to protect their jobs.
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