Regardless of what the future may hold for us the key to a positive out come is up to us as BROTHERS. Inform the uninformed,arm yourself with facts and engage our membership in constructive information. Win lose or draw this is our battle. I was raised with certain beliefs: avoid a fight if possible,be respectful of others ,treat others as they treat you,and if you cant avoid a fight make sure the other guy thinks twice before he trys it again.This contract is setting the stage for all of our futures.We all need to understand that WE THE MEMBERSHIP ARE THE TEAMSTERS.The teamsters are not a bunch of people setting behind a desk at your local.If you dont like what you are presented with to vote on turn it down and send the negotiating commitee back in the ring.That is their job. The longer this drags on the more motivated management will become.Clearly every other freight company is looking to eat ABFs lunch and the closer april 1st gets the more the competitions sales depts will play on this. Mark Twain said there are lies ,damn lies and statistics.Clearly ABF is very adept at controlling business levels.Look around your terminals you may be surprised at the amount things that have been broke for a long time or equipment being replaced by the poverty stricken ABF. How many of you have seen your city operation lay off guys to a bare minimum only to have the guys that are left out of hours before the week is over and refuse to call any one in to work? The ABF of the past is over. We have seen a parade of upper management pass through the offices of Ft Smith in recent years.The good ol boys are gone. I heard Bob Davidson use the term the newABF,well that is what we have to deal with. In the past ABF used current and past management for negotiations.Now the poverty stricken company has brought in a hired gun to lead the team. Keep your eyes open,arm yourselves with common sense and real info not propaganda and talk to others.Remember figures lie and liars figure.
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