March 19, 2012: YRC, with the approval of the International Union, is now moving to implement its change of operations on a fast-track. The decision of the change of operations committee is available here.

The decision states in paragraph #1 that the committee agreed that the proposed change is "unique in scope" and "must be implemented expeditiously" because of economic conditions. Paragraph #1 cites Article 8, section 6(G) of the contract, which states that the contract seniority rules are intended solely as general standards and the committee can alter them for particular circumstances.

It begins with that hard fact, but the decision ends (at paragraph #47) with pure fantasy: the company "will not divert any freight to sister or subsidiary companies." YRC execs have repeatedly stated that the goal of the change is precisely to direct short haul freight away from YRC and to Holland, Reddaway and New Penn.

The decision states (paragraph #6) that the provisions of Article 3, sections 2 (7)a and (7)b "shall be strictly enforced." This means that laid-off YRC Teamsters get first crack at any hiring at Holland, Reddaway or New Penn, within their home local union jurisdiction, in the order that they apply.  Paragraph #6 goes on to state that such laid-off Teamsters only have to pass a drug-screen, have a satisfactory driving record, and not have an excessive absenteeism record.

The decision allows the extensive use of follow-the-work bidding proposed by the company. If a follow-the-work bid does not fill, then those open positions will then be available for pool bidding, per paragraph #26 of the decision.

The implementation date is April 8. As of that date, all utility positions will be eliminated, and most of end-of-line road boards will be closed or reduced.