January 28, 2009: The change of operations hearing in Dallas regarding issues of jobs and seniority in the Yellow-Roadway merger finished three of four regions by Wednesday afternoon.

The meeting moved on to locals in the South. The hearing will continue on the “velocity” (utility employee) aspect of the merger tomorrow.

Many locals worked out issues regarding the follow-the-work principle. Because that principle was used, most of the relocations will be from a specific losing terminal to a specific gaining terminal, with a minority of relocations allocated to the pool bidding.

The most damaging aspect of the change is that it will immediately lead to nearly 1000 more layoffs.

Following the open hearing, the union and company will make decisions in a closed-door meeting of the committee. Following that, the decision and agreements made on job transfers at every terminal will need to be compiled.

The decision will probably issue quickly, because YRC intends to conduct bids by mid-February and implement the mega merger by March 1.