YRC says new union pact ‘a solid foundation’ for future

Bill Zollars, Chairman, President and CEO of YRC Worldwide and James P. Hoffa, General President International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced in late August 2007 that negotiations would begin early for the National Master Freight Agreement. The union reported Feb. 10 the agreement had been ratified by 67 percent of members. (PRNewsFoto/YRC Worldwide Inc.)

The Trucker News Services

2/12/2008

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — YRC Worldwide said Monday that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has informed the company that the union has ratified a new five-year labor contract. The agreement covers about 50,000 dockworkers, drivers and certain other union employees of Yellow Transportation, Roadway, USF Holland and New Penn. The new National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) replaces the current agreement when it expires on March 31.

“We are pleased the contract was ratified well ahead of the renewal date,” stated Bill Zollars, Chairman, President and CEO of YRC Worldwide. “This five year agreement gives us a solid foundation to build on.”

YRC North American President Mike Smid added that “the contract gives us the tools to serve our customers in what is an increasingly dynamic industry environment. The contract includes flexibilities that will allow the company to provide enhanced customer services.” “Most important,” Smid added, “the ratified contract was a win-win for the company and employees. Our drivers, dockworkers and other union members are the best in the business. This contract is our blueprint for superior customer service and company performance over the next five years.”

A substantial majority of the employees of the affected YRC carriers voted in favor of the ratification. The union informed the company that there were two local supplemental agreements that did not receive a majority vote. Both the company and the union are committed to addressing these local issues, which is part of the normal process, YRC said.

YRC Worldwide Inc. is the holding company for brands including Yellow Transportation, Roadway, Reimer Express, YRC Logistics, New Penn, USF Holland, USF Reddaway, and USF Glen Moore. Headquartered in Overland Park, YRC Worldwide employs approximately 60,000 people.