SUBJECT: ABF Freight Pension Contribution Increase Effective August 1, 2026
Brothers and Sisters,
Effective August 1, 2026, the new total pension contribution rate for ABF Freight members in the West will be $10.58 per hour. This rate includes the contractual $0.99 per hour increase. Because the Western Teamsters Welfare Trust (WTWT) has not increased Health & Welfare contribution rates for the 2026 plan year, no portion of the contractual increase will be allocated to Health & Welfare benefits.
RE: Cost-of-Living (COLA) Adjustment of $0.22 on August 1, 2026
Inflation triggered a 2026 COLA increase of $0.22 per hour and 0.55 cents per mile under the 2023-2028 National Master United Parcel Service Agreement.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased to a level of 328.829 points ( 1982-84= 100) in May 2026. This triggers a COLA increase because the CPI-W Index points exceeded 325.283 points.
Per Article 33 of the contract, a COLA increase
Tell Congress to Pass the Fast Labor Contracts Act!
Workers shouldn’t have to wait years for their first contract!
Workers have the right to a collective bargaining agreement after they vote for a union, but the law is full of loopholes and companies drag out the negotiation process for years. On average today, it takes 458 days to secure a first contract.
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WTWT Memo - Termination of BCBSNM Effective September 1, 2026
To: All Active Western Teamsters Welfare Trust Participants Who Participate in the BlueCross BlueShield New Mexico (BCBSNM):
RE: Termination of BCBSNM Effective September 1, 2026
7/9/2026 - BCBSNM’s premiums have been increasing at an alarming rate and they are the most expensive HMO option in the 11-state area covered by the Trust. Over the years, the Trust has communicated to BCBSNM that if their premiums continue to increase, then it would be likely that the Trust will terminate BCBSNM as an option.
Unfortunately, BCBSNM proposed another increase for the September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, plan year. BCBSNM remains the most expensive HMO option at a monthly premium of $3,018.84 per Active employee. For comparison’s sake, the Trust’s self-funded benefits currently cost on average $1,908.79 per Active per month or $1,110.05 a month less than the BCBSNM rate.
6/8/2026 - View The IBT Notice To All ABF Local Unions Regarding the 2026 COLA Increase, which can also be viewed below:
TO: ALL LOCAL UNIONS SIGNATORY TO THE 2023 – 2028 ABF FREIGHT NATIONAL MASTER FREIGHT AGREEMENT
FROM: John A. Murphy, National Freight Director
DATE: June 8, 2026
RE: ABF Freight -NMFA Article 33, Sec. 4 - COLA
The U.S.
YELLOW CORPORATION BANKRUPTCY UPDATE
7/1/2026 - Click Here to read the June 30th, 2026 YELLOW CORPORATION BANKRUPTCY UPDATE from the IBT.
Fraternally,
Jesus R. Vidaca,
Teamster LU492 Freight Business Agent
https://bit.ly/3RCi7j1
Update on Overtime Tax Deduction
The Teamsters Package Division has received questions from members about the "No Tax on Overtime" provision included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that was passed last year, including whether Package Division members are impacted by the legislation.
1/6/2026 - UPS Article 17 Penalty Pay Update
Attention All UPS Teamsters:
(Article 17) New Payroll Penalty Language Now in Effect
Per Article 17, of the National Master Agreement, the updated payroll penalty provisions have officially taken effect.
Teamster Local 492 will have a representative from the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan from Northwest Administrators in our office this month. This is your opportunity to meet face-to-face and review your pension value and where you stand on any PEER requirements, if applicable.
New benefit options available to protect your income when you can’t work due to injuries, illnesses, surgeries, loss of DOT License or FAA Medical Certification (due to medical reasons), or death.
