I've posted these figures several times before. And unfortunately, whether we Teamsters like or approve, and I do not. YRCW simply does not net enough money to pay the full pension contribution rate. It enrages me that the stock is not sold by YRCW to modernize our operation. But we all must come to terms with the realities of our situation.
The prescribed contribution rate in 2008 was $61.50 per day or tour of duty to a maximum of $258.00 per week. There are more or less 20,000 Teamsters employed at all of the YRCW operating subsidiaries. At a modest calculation of an ADDITIONAL $193.50 per week above their current rate, that's $10,062 per Teamster per year for pension alone. Multiply that by 20,000 and the figure is $201,240,000. Also realize that huge bonuses of stock are only being awarded to SENIOR management. If YRCW were to begin to contribute that kind of money to us, do you not think that terminal level supervisors and associated support staff would be entitled to their pensions being restored? Could James Welsh award all employees shares of stock, yes! Will he? It is unlikely.
Go read the SEC filings YRCW DOESN'T HAVE THAT KIND OF EARNINGS. Bill Zollars left a massive debt, which YRCW is struggling to service the INTEREST on. While continuing to provide above industry average wages and benefits.