ABF Freight Teamsters Reject Plan to Protect Jobs, Benefits
Teamsters employed at ABF Freight System have rejected a Wage Reduction-Job Security plan aimed at protecting the jobs of more than 7,000 workers and securing their health, welfare and pension benefits for the remainder of the National Master Freight Agreement.
Mail ballots were sent out April 30 and counted today with the process being overseen by an independent election officer. With a final count of 3764 no, 2936 yes, (a difference of 828 votes, out of 6700) the workers voted no on the plan with about 80 percent of the members affected participating in the vote.
“We took a proactive approach to help ABF get through the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, but our members have rejected the plan,” said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division. “The union will regroup to determine if there are other means to protect jobs and benefits. Our first priority continues to be the members’ best interests.”
Ballots were sent out to about 7,000 active employees and about 1,000 workers with recall rights. About 56% of the 6,700 employees that cast ballots, voted no.
"The current economic decline has been unprecedented in its depth and duration. Our company, including our nonunion employees, has made significant financial sacrifices during this period. It is unfortunate that our union employees have chosen not to participate in better aligning ABF's cost structure with those of its LTL competitors," said Judy R. McReynolds, Arkansas Best President and Chief Executive Officer. "Going forward, we will evaluate our various options in dealing
Wes Kemp Statement Posted At ABF Terminals:
"We’ve been officially notified that the proposed Wage Reduction-Job Security Plan failed to receive the necessary majority of votes for its passage which I deeply regret. This means we'll be forced to pursue other less desirable and less palatable solutions that will in all likelihood be more short-termed focused than the more preferable long term. That said, we certainly don't intend to give up. However, we need everyone to step up and render unprecedented effort in performing your jobs. I remind you that a 15% improvement in productivity can deliver essentially the same benefit to the company as a 15% wage cut. Consequently, I urge you to go about your duties as the professionals you are and strive to perform every task as promptly, precisely, cooperatively, and safely as possible."
Visit The ABF Updates Page Here
See The Vote Totals Broke Down By Each Local Union Here
