This is a copy of what I sent. I'm sure I will add to it before this is over.
To Lendon Grisham
Southern Region Freight Coordinator, National Freight Division
Mr. Grisham, I would very much like to make a couple of proposals changes for the upcoming ABF southern region freight supplement renegotiation.
I would like to see article 42 changed
Vacancies and new runs
from “taking sixty percent 60% of number of runs” to “taking eighty five percent 85% of number of runs” because we previously had Seventy five percent 75% of the number of runs in the 2008-2013 and before. With the use of PTS and supplemental drivers (retired ABF drivers and safety people, Bill Farwig) the company has more flexibility to run these bids.
Time Off
Changed from “when an extra board driver has performed six (6) tours of duty” changed to “when an extra board driver has performed five (5) tours of duty” and the removal of the wording “the driver may take the time off only after the six (6) or twelfth (12) or eighteenth (18) tour of duty.” With the use of PTS and supplemental drivers this strict and draconian rule forces many drivers to work unsafely because they “do not want to break their tours.”
Article 50 changed
to “two (2) stewards shall be compensated” because we bid twice a year and the bidding process lasts all day (from very early in the morning to late into the evening). And, from the perspective of a former union steward, it is hard to make the steward meetings with the company transportation manager and keep up with what the grievances are. It is truly a two steward job just to be a road driver and a personnel manager.
Respectfully,