August 7, 2009: The members have spoken. In the large voting unit, YRC and Holland Teamsters approved the concessions with a 58% yes vote: 12,923 Yes, 9,153 No. New Penn Teamsters, whose votes are counted separately because they are not part of the same bargaining unit, rejected the concessions. So did Chicago Local 705, Chicago Local 710, and Local 179 who are covered by their own separate contracts.

The overall results show that a majority of YRC Teamsters who cast a ballot chose to bite the bullet, hoping to give the company a chance to succeed. A strong minority – a majority in some major freight locals – said enough is enough, especially with Zollars still in the driver’s seat.

With the large unit of YRC and Holland Teamsters approving, while New Penn and big Chicago locals said No, the International union will have to decide how to handle the situation. Will they “vote till you get it right” in the rejecting units? Or will New Penn Teamsters retain their existing contract terms? Hoffa’s press release announcing ratification said those issues will be dealt with on a “local by local basis.”

We will provide further vote information as it becomes available.