February 9, 2010
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said no talks are under way with ABF Freight System that would result in concessions for its members.
"There is an erroneous media report that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Freight Division is in negotiations with ABF that would result in concessions for our members represented under the National Master Freight Agreement," Teamsters National Freight Director Tyson Johnson said in a statement today. "Let me be clear – this report is false," he said.
Speaking at the annual Transcomp and Intermodal Expo on Nov. 16, ABF Chief Operating Officer Wesley R. Kemp told reporters, "We are in a dialogue with the Teamsters and hopefully we will reach an agreement soon."
He said the carrier expects to win wage concessions similar to the givebacks that lowered wages some 15 percent at YRC Worldwide, the nation’s largest LTL operator. The agreement between the Teamsters and YRC negotiated a couple of months ago, said Kemp, “was just too great a difference to ignore” between the cost structures at the country’s only large unionized LTL carriers.
In his statement, Johnson said, "In fact, we are not having contract or concession discussions with the company."
Contact William B. Cassidy at wcassidy@joc.com.
The Teamsters have never gave ABF much credit.Just like the Pension buyout with UPS. ABF wasn't allowed out of it. Now they give YRC a 10 dollar on the hour advantage in wage and pension cuts. How much longer do they think ABF can sustain this!!!! Just remember ABF is trying to stay in business..
Why dont the Teamsters wait until there are no companies intact with unionized workers. You chased everyone else out of the business why not the last 2?
If the Teamsters are surprised or upset over this, why? The minute they did what they did with YRC, the doors opened for all to walk through and at minimum ask. If the other major carriers didn't ask, that would be the surprise.
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