XPO | Xpo Union Thread.

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Ok let me step in and see if I can get my nose blooded, using Miami since this is all about right to work vs non right to work states, WHEN you get your contract signed and accepted ALL people at your location (Miami) right to work state will enjoy the bennies of the contract if they join and pay dues or not, all rules applied the same to every "member". They are required to give "equal representation" to ALL paying or not. In a NON right to work NO they can't opt out contract spells out you must be a member in good standing to be employed, which means you paid you fee and dues . "nuff said everybody stay safe
 
Completely agree. When any company is managed in the manner that XPO is being managed currently, it usually means a sale is in the works. Just my opinion.
That's a valid opinion, but one I happen to disagree with at this time because while what you say is true in a broad sense, the evidence that I see doesn't seem to apply to XPO LTL. Let's start with the rebranding, that was done in a relatively short time and it was applied to nearly every piece of rolling stock we had, surely that was a big investment. National fleet capacity is way down which ties into Jacob's philosophy for buying us in the first place. Last time I heard, O/R is at 84 that means the company is earning big profits with LTL leading the way. Finally, I read in a trade publication that the company is planning to spend 90 million to purchase nearly 800 new tractors. Of course there is always the chance that LTL will be sold, but I don't see that happening in the short term because it would be like Jack's giant selling the Golden Goose.
 
That's a valid opinion, but one I happen to disagree with at this time because while what you say is true in a broad sense, the evidence that I see doesn't seem to apply to XPO LTL. Let's start with the rebranding, that was done in a relatively short time and it was applied to nearly every piece of rolling stock we had, surely that was a big investment. National fleet capacity is way down which ties into Jacob's philosophy for buying us in the first place. Last time I heard, O/R is at 84 that means the company is earning big profits with LTL leading the way. Finally, I read in a trade publication that the company is planning to spend 90 million to purchase nearly 800 new tractors. Of course there is always the chance that LTL will be sold, but I don't see that happening in the short term because it would be like Jack's giant selling the Golden Goose.

Equally valid and an argument I have used many times in the past. I'm clearly stuck between the two. It makes no sense to make that investment and sell when you consider the advantages an LTL operation offers. Yet, I can't understand why he
Ok let me step in and see if I can get my nose blooded, using Miami since this is all about right to work vs non right to work states, WHEN you get your contract signed and accepted ALL people at your location (Miami) right to work state will enjoy the bennies of the contract if they join and pay dues or not, all rules applied the same to every "member". They are required to give "equal representation" to ALL paying or not. In a NON right to work NO they can't opt out contract spells out you must be a member in good standing to be employed, which means you paid you fee and dues . "nuff said everybody stay safe

This makes sense. Thanks...
 
That's a valid opinion, but one I happen to disagree with at this time because while what you say is true in a broad sense, the evidence that I see doesn't seem to apply to XPO LTL. Let's start with the rebranding, that was done in a relatively short time and it was applied to nearly every piece of rolling stock we had, surely that was a big investment. National fleet capacity is way down which ties into Jacob's philosophy for buying us in the first place. Last time I heard, O/R is at 84 that means the company is earning big profits with LTL leading the way. Finally, I read in a trade publication that the company is planning to spend 90 million to purchase nearly 800 new tractors. Of course there is always the chance that LTL will be sold, but I don't see that happening in the short term because it would be like Jack's giant selling the Golden Goose.
I’ve said from the very first day we were bought by XPO, that the LTL division is not for sale. It makes zero sense.
As far as the company goes, everything is for sale if the right offer is made.
 
My wife is all for seeing my terminal go union and she doesn't want me to say what I'm about to say next, but in keeping with this discussion about the pros and cons of unionization, I think I should mention it. Earlier in this thread, I mentioned reasons why I think Jacobs isn't planning to sell XPO LTL, but now I'm going to present a scenario that I think would cause him to make the sale. I think there is little doubt among us that XPO does not want a unionized workforce. We have heard that Miami is in negotiations right now and that company has done all it can do to prevent such negotiations from coming to fruition. They know that once a contract is signed, it will be a blueprint for the rest of the union terminals to use and speed up the process of getting contracts in place at their locations. As the number of unionized terminals with contracts rises, Jacobs will be forced to make a decision. I believe Jacobs has a number in his head regarding unionized terminals and once enough dominoes have fallen, Jacobs will put us up for sale. So IMO, the quickest way to get XPO LTL sold off is to keep unionizing.
 
My wife is all for seeing my terminal go union and she doesn't want me to say what I'm about to say next, but in keeping with this discussion about the pros and cons of unionization, I think I should mention it. Earlier in this thread, I mentioned reasons why I think Jacobs isn't planning to sell XPO LTL, but now I'm going to present a scenario that I think would cause him to make the sale. I think there is little doubt among us that XPO does not want a unionized workforce. We have heard that Miami is in negotiations right now and that company has done all it can do to prevent such negotiations from coming to fruition. They know that once a contract is signed, it will be a blueprint for the rest of the union terminals to use and speed up the process of getting contracts in place at their locations. As the number of unionized terminals with contracts rises, Jacobs will be forced to make a decision. I believe Jacobs has a number in his head regarding unionized terminals and once enough dominoes have fallen, Jacobs will put us up for sale. So IMO, the quickest way to get XPO LTL sold off is to keep unionizing.
In my opinion , a sale of LTL unit would happen with unionization or not. Hell , there is an obnoxious amount of money spent on fighting unionization and keeping the union out: the same union that some argue is weak and full of corruption.

Why should Bradley Jacobs be worried about unionization? Facts have shown that if unionized , you can give lower raises , use older equipment , not pay into pensions at full rate , and ask for and receive give backs. Just get close to union leadership and you can do all of the anti-little guy stuff you like.

Unions do have work rules and protections not available to non-union employees so there is that , but I would think Bradley Jacobs could live with that if it meant shutting up drivers.
 
My wife is all for seeing my terminal go union and she doesn't want me to say what I'm about to say next, but in keeping with this discussion about the pros and cons of unionization, I think I should mention it. Earlier in this thread, I mentioned reasons why I think Jacobs isn't planning to sell XPO LTL, but now I'm going to present a scenario that I think would cause him to make the sale. I think there is little doubt among us that XPO does not want a unionized workforce. We have heard that Miami is in negotiations right now and that company has done all it can do to prevent such negotiations from coming to fruition. They know that once a contract is signed, it will be a blueprint for the rest of the union terminals to use and speed up the process of getting contracts in place at their locations. As the number of unionized terminals with contracts rises, Jacobs will be forced to make a decision. I believe Jacobs has a number in his head regarding unionized terminals and once enough dominoes have fallen, Jacobs will put us up for sale. So IMO, the quickest way to get XPO LTL sold off is to keep unionizing.

I don't disagree Scotch, although let me present another point of view. I believe that it may be more difficult to sell a union company and he is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He is attempting to show that his company can fight off the movement which may make it more attractive to a potential buyer. He's rolling the dice here but, let's face the fact that he's ahead of the game. More terminals have voted no or withdrawn as opposed to those who have run a successful campaign. I think the number in his head may be the stock price. I think once the stock hits his target, the deal may already be in place. I can't understand why he would sell considering how well we are doing, but I'm not the CEO. I still maintain that unionization is the only vehicle to protect what you have. Once you certify and agree to a contract, that contract remains in place no matter who owns the company.
 
In my opinion , a sale of LTL unit would happen with unionization or not. Hell , there is an obnoxious amount of money spent on fighting unionization and keeping the union out: the same union that some argue is weak and full of corruption.

Why should Bradley Jacobs be worried about unionization? Facts have shown that if unionized , you can give lower raises , use older equipment , not pay into pensions at full rate , and ask for and receive give backs. Just get close to union leadership and you can do all of the anti-little guy stuff you like.

Unions do have work rules and protections not available to non-union employees so there is that , but I would think Bradley Jacobs could live with that if it meant shutting up drivers.

I agree...somewhat. The sale will or will not happen regardless of how many terminals unionize. The facts you describe are only true with respect to companies that are in trouble or working close to the break even point. The Teamsters are weak...er than they could be. If people would only wake up to the advantages of strength in numbers. The only certain way to keep what we have is unionization. As the membership grows, each individual terminal that certifies adds a bit more strength to the chain. Growing the unit will strengthen us. Imagine the bargaining power if everyone certified. Some are unhappy with the ABF contract and others are afraid of what might happen with the upcoming YRC negotiations. What do you think COULD happen if we all realized we're in the same boat and decided to stand up for each other. What would happen if we all sat in front of the gates until these companies understood that nothing moves until we get behind the wheel? I'm chasing a dream. I get it. And I will not see it before my career is done. But it won't stop me from chasing all the same.
 
I don't disagree Scotch, although let me present another point of view. I believe that it may be more difficult to sell a union company and he is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He is attempting to show that his company can fight off the movement which may make it more attractive to a potential buyer. He's rolling the dice here but, let's face the fact that he's ahead of the game. More terminals have voted no or withdrawn as opposed to those who have run a successful campaign. I think the number in his head may be the stock price. I think once the stock hits his target, the deal may already be in place. I can't understand why he would sell considering how well we are doing, but I'm not the CEO. I still maintain that unionization is the only vehicle to protect what you have. Once you certify and agree to a contract, that contract remains in place no matter who owns the company.
There's truth in your statement that you have a contract , but they expire. Companies that are doing well now can falter. And finally , you are not just battling XPO. You are battling against EVERY company that sees unionization as a threat. FedEx. Wal-mart. Amazon. Just to name a few. With very deep pockets and a lot of politicians under their influence. And , to be honest , union people are only human , what happens when big money and/or an unbelievably nice job gets waved in their face?
 
What would happen if we all sat in front of the gates until these companies understood that nothing moves until we get behind the wheel? I'm chasing a dream. I get it. And I will not see it before my career is done. But it won't stop me from chasing all the same.
After two weeks, team we would be replaced by team me. People have bills to pay and would most likely go back to work happy that they got 10% of what they wanted. Then the Teamsters would pat each other on the back and enjoy a nice cigar while on vacation.
 
I don't disagree Scotch, although let me present another point of view. I believe that it may be more difficult to sell a union company and he is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He is attempting to show that his company can fight off the movement which may make it more attractive to a potential buyer. He's rolling the dice here but, let's face the fact that he's ahead of the game. More terminals have voted no or withdrawn as opposed to those who have run a successful campaign. I think the number in his head may be the stock price. I think once the stock hits his target, the deal may already be in place. I can't understand why he would sell considering how well we are doing, but I'm not the CEO. I still maintain that unionization is the only vehicle to protect what you have. Once you certify and agree to a contract, that contract remains in place no matter who owns the company.
I think the number he is looking at is the peak price. The whole deal with Jacobs is a show for investors, cut and scrimp to make the profit look larger to investors so they buy and drive up the stock price. The problem is he can only do that for a limited amount of time before the deterioration of assets and moral puts a strangle hold on forward motion of the company. ( this is when you will see him move towards the door and take his profit )

You have to realize the reason Jacobs bought us imho is because he saw value in what he could take from us and present it to investors as a winning ticket if they buy in. Remember Wall Street is a casino at this time . Investors are not looking for long term substainable growth ,but only get rich quick gains . There was and still remains more he can take to increase profits without adding much organic in business. This is the main reason I am for uninonzation because I see it as the only way we a drivers can slow the take and it has been effective already in the spence it has made him think and reconsider before taking more as for fear of a larger amount of union growth amongst his terminals.

If anyone has ideas of how better to stop the take from us at this time under Jacobs I'm all ears. As imperfect some may feel that the Teamsters are I think it's still are best means. I don't see the options list being very long at this point.
 
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There's truth in your statement that you have a contract , but they expire. Companies that are doing well now can falter. And finally , you are not just battling XPO. You are battling against EVERY company that sees unionization as a threat. FedEx. Wal-mart. Amazon. Just to name a few. With very deep pockets and a lot of politicians under their influence. And , to be honest , union people are only human , what happens when big money and/or an unbelievably nice job gets waved in their face?
All too true. There is a level of sacrifice required. The question is are we fed up enough to begin. Maybe not just yet, but it's coming.
 
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