Yellow_Truck
In a significant development for transportation workers, the Teamsters Union has successfully negotiated an extension of healthcare benefits for employees at Yellow Corp.’s operating companies, YRC Freight and Holland. This decisive action has averted a potential strike that was looming over Yrc Transportation, threatening to disrupt freight operations across the nation.
Under immense pressure from Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, the Central States Health and Welfare Fund has agreed to prolong health care coverage for Teamsters and their families. This move comes after Yellow Corp. failed to meet its contractual obligations, missing a $50 million benefit payment to Central States on July 15. The extension provides Yellow Corp., a major player in yrc transportation, with a 30-day window to rectify its payment delinquency, with the expectation that the outstanding amount will be settled within two weeks.
The intensive discussions spearheaded by Teamsters leadership effectively persuaded the Central States fund trustees to reconsider their initial stance. Previously, the fund had indicated that healthcare benefits would cease on July 23 if Yellow remained in default. This reversal, prompted by the Teamsters’ unwavering advocacy, ensures that healthcare benefits will continue uninterrupted for hardworking Teamsters employed at YRC Freight and Holland, key components of YRC Transportation. Following this positive development, O’Brien directed the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee to convene with Yellow representatives on Sunday evening in Washington, D.C. These meetings are crucial for a comprehensive review of the company’s financial health and the existing contract.
The intervention by Central States, facilitated by the Teamsters, provides a temporary reprieve, maintaining essential healthcare benefits and allowing Teamsters to remain on the job. This averted strike action is a testament to the Teamsters’ commitment to protecting their members’ well-being and job security within the yrc transportation sector.
“Our members at YRC Freight and Holland, who are vital to yrc transportation, cannot perform their duties without the assurance of health care,” stated O’Brien. “The Teamsters have worked relentlessly to prevent an immediate strike at Yellow. These were challenging discussions, but Central States has responded constructively under pressure from the union. While we are committed to finding a lasting solution, this agreement underscores the considerable sacrifices our members have already made. Teamsters at Yellow dedicate themselves wholeheartedly and have given a great deal.”
For more information about the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents 1.2 million hardworking individuals across North America, please visit Teamster.org. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
