ABF | Getting screwed from both sides

You know I spent half my life at ABF. I walked the lines, fought beside James R. I have seen the blood spilled, and the parties enjoyed after victory. But never before, in my entire life seen anything like what is going on here today with this company and these so called union officials.

I have read the reports from the last YEAR. I have talked to my friends across this country, and this company has worked so very hard to make a case look good on paper, all the while concealing profits. This company is now run by accountants, that have made their careers making recipes cooking books.

My take on what is going on here makes me freakin sick. In the old days the managers would ask us to tighten up like they did in the 70's. And they survived. They survived the recession of the 70's, deregulation, hostile takeovers, stupid acquisitions, and never asked us for nothing more than to do our jobs right. Now you guys are being beat up for doing your jobs right, they way you're instructed, even if it makes no sense. The books are cooked and the gourmet meal and they are asking you to pick up the check, and leave the tip.

The IBT has some ash kissers, like Tyson, and he is helpin to make the case for the company. Hoffa seems to be on the same page. WTF?

I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would have to say these words, but here it is. There needs to be a change at the IBT and needs to happen NOW. From top to bottom. If these two man meetings next week recommend you take some pay cut, you tell them to go EFF OFF. Find somebody honest to represent you, and start the petitions to get them on the ballot for next years election. Hoffa, Keegel, Johnson, and every effen incumbent in DC needs to go to the pasture and think about how well they screwed the rank and file membership over the last terms of office after they get voted OUT.

If they manage to get re-elected it is time to take a trip back in time to 1969 and 1970. The Chicago locals the Tyson and his merry men screwed out of their contracts need to join ranks, do like Bill Joyce and Louis Peich (God rest their souls) and tell the IBT to screw off and regain their autonomy. These local unions have all they need without the constant screwing over the IBT seems to be handing out.

There are stewards in the Chicago area that are building a fund to hire legal representation to block any give backs. This fund is growing and is over 10 grand right now, I have given them the leading labor law firm that will represent them, for a fraction of what they normally would cost. This firm usually represents companies, and knows all the tricks the companies pull on the unions. I also put in escrow 50 grand. What ever these guys put together I will match dollar for dollar for what ever they raise from the guys, They will fight any give backs as a breech of contract, take the case to Federal Court.

Stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and most of all fight together. The ABF guys are surrounded by the IBT and the company, in the middle, and cornered all at the same time. There is only one thing to do now, fight back and anyone gets in your way either obliterate or walk over. We know who the enemy is, Tyson and Wes. They think we don't know whats going on. Got news for them.

got news for you the world has changed since the 1970s abf can not hide profits think about it and tell me where they hide the money we are not a private company they dont start making money we are all gonna be on street look at are competition they are killing us and take a look at all the union ltls left wow there are so many wake up get your head out of your butt quite living in the past give us younger guys i chance to work hear at abf for a few years and tell me where they hide all the money??????????

I love your post nuckinfutz !! I wish that we had more old timers at the helm today. I don't even think that they would even try to pull this crap if there was! We got alot of people that will roll over at the drop of a hat.The company and IBT use their fear like candy. Can you imagine Hoffa Sr. trying to organize the people today?

I'm voting NO to any givebacks.
Almost every ABF employee I work with,
and those I hear from at other terminals pretty much agree.
NO givebacks.
ABF is nothing like YRC.
I don't fault our brothers and sisters at YRC for doing what they felt they had to do.
They we're probably on the verge of bankruptcy.
I'm also taking a serious look at any Teamster official running for re-election that recommends any unnecessary givebacks.
While we wait for the "in-depth-audit" of the ABF books, this proposal was put forward that offers a different way of thinking, and possibly solves the purported cash flow problem, in a fair way,
without any significant loss of money to the employees:
...
...
In order to address and possibly solve the current liquidity and cash flow conditions of ABF,
and to allow for additional market competitiveness,
the following solution is submitted for consideration as a possible addendum to The National Master Freight Agreement.


Creation of a Liquidity Assistance Witholding Fund
Refered to as:
The LAW Fund

Each payroll period,
the Chief Executive Officer of ABF or duly authorized person shall have the discretionary authority to withold a percentage of pay equally across the board of all ABF employees,
both union and non-union alike, in an amount not to exceed 15%
These funds would be borrowed at 0% interest, and at the complete discretion and use of ABF (the company) for liquidity and cash flow needs,
for any day to day operations, or in any way deemed proper by ABF.
Each employee would have a weekly and total record of funds loaned to the company reflected in their witholding pay-stubs.
The funds would be repaid to any employee in the event of retirement, termination, voluntary quit, or any lay-off exceeding 30 days.
This power and authority would remain in effect throughout the current contract (ending April 2013), at which point repayment in full to all employees, or a renegotiation into the 2013 contract as agreed.
It is estimated that this would make capital available in excess of two-three hundred million dollars ($200,000,000.00-$300,000,000.00) over the next 3 years to ABF,
without any significant permanent loss to the employees.
The company would also be relieved of any strike action as a result of utilizing this provision as long as repayment terms are met as agreed.
In exchange for participation in The LAW Fund and providing the 0% loans, ABF would grant employees the ability to take unpaid days off with proper notice
(in accordance similar to sick day provisions).
This would allow employees the ability to adjust as they deem appropriate,
to these new financial conditions.
...
...
Let's be smart, and not giveback the wages we deserve.

still waiting to hear where they hide the money ? why is it i see so many fed ex frieght trucks on the road and conway estes so on and so on they are all hiring and the few teamsters companys are still laying off why is that ? maybe give a little in the short term ? is all im saying but i think we are all going to go down with the ship titanic here we come

[quote author=nuckinfutz link=topic=78966.msg819332#msg819332 date=1270402263]
You know I spent half my life at ABF. I walked the lines, fought beside James R. I have seen the blood spilled, and the parties enjoyed after victory. But never before, in my entire life seen anything like what is going on here today with this company and these so called union officials.

I have read the reports from the last YEAR. I have talked to my friends across this country, and this company has worked so very hard to make a case look good on paper, all the while concealing profits. This company is now run by accountants, that have made their careers making recipes cooking books.

My take on what is going on here makes me freakin sick. In the old days the managers would ask us to tighten up like they did in the 70's. And they survived. They survived the recession of the 70's, deregulation, hostile takeovers, stupid acquisitions, and never asked us for nothing more than to do our jobs right. Now you guys are being beat up for doing your jobs right, they way you're instructed, even if it makes no sense. The books are cooked and the gourmet meal and they are asking you to pick up the check, and leave the tip.

The IBT has some ash kissers, like Tyson, and he is helpin to make the case for the company. Hoffa seems to be on the same page. WTF?

I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would have to say these words, but here it is. There needs to be a change at the IBT and needs to happen NOW. From top to bottom. If these two man meetings next week recommend you take some pay cut, you tell them to go EFF OFF. Find somebody honest to represent you, and start the petitions to get them on the ballot for next years election. Hoffa, Keegel, Johnson, and every effen incumbent in DC needs to go to the pasture and think about how well they screwed the rank and file membership over the last terms of office after they get voted OUT.

If they manage to get re-elected it is time to take a trip back in time to 1969 and 1970. The Chicago locals the Tyson and his merry men screwed out of their contracts need to join ranks, do like Bill Joyce and Louis Peich (God rest their souls) and tell the IBT to screw off and regain their autonomy. These local unions have all they need without the constant screwing over the IBT seems to be handing out.

There are stewards in the Chicago area that are building a fund to hire legal representation to block any give backs. This fund is growing and is over 10 grand right now, I have given them the leading labor law firm that will represent them, for a fraction of what they normally would cost. This firm usually represents companies, and knows all the tricks the companies pull on the unions. I also put in escrow 50 grand. What ever these guys put together I will match dollar for dollar for what ever they raise from the guys, They will fight any give backs as a breech of contract, take the case to Federal Court.

Stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and most of all fight together. The ABF guys are surrounded by the IBT and the company, in the middle, and cornered all at the same time. There is only one thing to do now, fight back and anyone gets in your way either obliterate or walk over. We know who the enemy is, Tyson and Wes. They think we don't know whats going on. Got news for them.
[/quote]AMEN BROTHER COUNT ME IN IT'S TIME TO REMEMBER WHAT WE ONCE WERE . NO TO EXTORION BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THIS IS. PAY US $8,000 A YEAR FOR THE PRIVILAGE TO WORK YOUR JOB. NO MEANS NO

i think its just a matter of time its pretty much over for yrc and we are next at abf the pension fund is doing so good and are insurance just keeps getting worse and there are lots of teamster ltl freight companys out there yeah rite when you cant compete with your competition u go the way of so many of the teamsters companys that are gone lets do it the way we have allways done it because its worked so well

You mention the competition? :rant: Explain this to me.... How can the "competition" can buy new property, build new large terminals, and buy new tractors at 21st century prices.
And poor ABF and the cancerous yrc, have properties, which are more then paid for, lower taxes on older property, have tractors driven well after they have earned what they are worth and then keep using them.

Some of the “competition” make more hourly then ABF
ABF has the choice to cut employees on a day-to-day basis, as management see fit or as bill count dictates.
The "competition” hire people and employee people 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, every day. And you say
The "competition is killing us" but their overhead is huge and they charge less to haul it????????
The “competition” uses twice as many people on the street in a day then ABF. Leading to higher costs for them it seems.
The “competition” delivers their freight overnight (regional areas), no if ands or buts about it. ABF, if its convenient they do and they try, but nothings perfect. Yrc’s debacle of overnight freight backfires, and not by the effort of the employees.

So to sum up my rant, These company all hide money when ever they want to and however they want to, Look at my examples of costs.
The years ABF and yrc flourished, they are forgotten about and nothing has changed. It’s management’s responsibility to earn their worth.
The Union would give them anything they want, so nobody try to tell me that there poor little hands are tied by rules.
Nuff said!!! :tribe:

wow hard to argue with that name one none union company who makes more per mile than us or more on the hour ???? i think its great we are paid so well i like my job there are only two 3 union ltls left yrc abf and the new ups freight and you u asked how they pay for all that cause they are not paying for all the pensions of teamsters who never worked for them and they will have a better retirement than us are pension is going broke let abf pay for abf people to retire but all this wont matter its over with just give it time we cant compete why are there only 3 ltls left ? and where are they putting all the big profits? still havent heard maybe things will get better when things pick up hell i dont no but in 5 years at 064 road i have been layed of 6 times and worked only about 3 years or less lets keep it going hell yeah get ready to work for swift jb hunt warner ect im likeing that option

I sure hope everyone in Dayton don't think like you Brad.Are you management? You sure sound like it!

well like i said its over just give it time thats all i have to say about that good wishes to all my brothers in the ibt

I going to ride Union ltl freight dinosuar out to the end and like to get payed a good living wage. So my vote will be no and see if ABF can turn it around with no give backs.

of course they can. Why did they create a new moving company. If it was on the up and up we would have seen it posted everywhere. They have found a way to move the money off of ABF books. They say it is to comply with regulations. I will buy this when they show me how much money they are moving off of our books.

I love a good conspiracy theory... but that's all this whole "created another company to move money to" thing is... a conspiracy theory. The companies actual revenue is going to be very small for quite a while but the purpose of the company is to round off the full-service moving solutions aimed at regular people, not businesses.

Again, there isn't going to be any significant amount of money shown in this company and even if it were... it'll show up as a sub-item under ABF so the money isn't going anywhere. It's legit and is a fledgling startup to fill a gap in the previous U-pack moving services.

[quote author=ABF link=topic=78966.msg819364#msg819364 date=1270412076]
I'm voting NO to any givebacks.
Almost every ABF employee I work with,
and those I hear from at other terminals pretty much agree.
NO givebacks.
ABF is nothing like YRC.
I don't fault our brothers and sisters at YRC for doing what they felt they had to do.
They we're probably on the verge of bankruptcy.
I'm also taking a serious look at any Teamster official running for re-election that recommends any unnecessary givebacks.
While we wait for the "in-depth-audit" of the ABF books, this proposal was put forward that offers a different way of thinking, and possibly solves the purported cash flow problem, in a fair way,
without any significant loss of money to the employees:
...
...
In order to address and possibly solve the current liquidity and cash flow conditions of ABF,
and to allow for additional market competitiveness,
the following solution is submitted for consideration as a possible addendum to The National Master Freight Agreement.


Creation of a Liquidity Assistance Witholding Fund
Refered to as:
The LAW Fund

Each payroll period,
the Chief Executive Officer of ABF or duly authorized person shall have the discretionary authority to withold a percentage of pay equally across the board of all ABF employees,
both union and non-union alike, in an amount not to exceed 15%
These funds would be borrowed at 0% interest, and at the complete discretion and use of ABF (the company) for liquidity and cash flow needs,
for any day to day operations, or in any way deemed proper by ABF.
Each employee would have a weekly and total record of funds loaned to the company reflected in their witholding pay-stubs.
The funds would be repaid to any employee in the event of retirement, termination, voluntary quit, or any lay-off exceeding 30 days.
This power and authority would remain in effect throughout the current contract (ending April 2013), at which point repayment in full to all employees, or a renegotiation into the 2013 contract as agreed.
It is estimated that this would make capital available in excess of two-three hundred million dollars ($200,000,000.00-$300,000,000.00) over the next 3 years to ABF,
without any significant permanent loss to the employees.
The company would also be relieved of any strike action as a result of utilizing this provision as long as repayment terms are met as agreed.
In exchange for participation in The LAW Fund and providing the 0% loans, ABF would grant employees the ability to take unpaid days off with proper notice
(in accordance similar to sick day provisions).
This would allow employees the ability to adjust as they deem appropriate,
to these new financial conditions.
...
...
Let's be smart, and not giveback the wages we deserve.
[/quote]
this is interesting. where did you get this, or did you come up with this yourself?

Just to throw this out there. Nobody has been saying anything about give backs in work rules. Everybody is talking about pay. Not to many of the non union companies run like the union companies.
How much money could the company save with cutting back on the amount of lay runs, Going to more meet and turns It would save on hotels, better use of equipment.
Utilizing hvxp points better. Filling up trailers instead of holding freight for line haul. Does our non union competition have line haul drivers and utility drivers? Probably not!
Does the non union companies pay a driver triple time to do their own drops and hooks?
All I'm saying is maybe we should look at some other options too.

guys i am a yrc driver,so take this for what you think it is worth.
you suggest a withholding fund to give a 0 pecent loan to the co? now all you have to do is pay withholdings on money you don't get in your check. isee where you can get your money back when you retire or quit. if you go to a bank will they give you a deal like this where it costs them to give you a loan? there should be someway to make money here,isn't that what the co plans to do with it.? jmo. :nono:

[quote author=ABF link=topic=78966.msg819364#msg819364 date=1270412076]
I'm voting NO to any givebacks.
Almost every ABF employee I work with,
and those I hear from at other terminals pretty much agree.
NO givebacks.
ABF is nothing like YRC.
I don't fault our brothers and sisters at YRC for doing what they felt they had to do.
They we're probably on the verge of bankruptcy.
I'm also taking a serious look at any Teamster official running for re-election that recommends any unnecessary givebacks.
While we wait for the "in-depth-audit" of the ABF books, this proposal was put forward that offers a different way of thinking, and possibly solves the purported cash flow problem, in a fair way,
without any significant loss of money to the employees:
...
...
In order to address and possibly solve the current liquidity and cash flow conditions of ABF,
and to allow for additional market competitiveness,
the following solution is submitted for consideration as a possible addendum to The National Master Freight Agreement.


Creation of a Liquidity Assistance Witholding Fund
Refered to as:
The LAW Fund

Each payroll period,
the Chief Executive Officer of ABF or duly authorized person shall have the discretionary authority to withold a percentage of pay equally across the board of all ABF employees,
both union and non-union alike, in an amount not to exceed 15%
These funds would be borrowed at 0% interest, and at the complete discretion and use of ABF (the company) for liquidity and cash flow needs,
for any day to day operations, or in any way deemed proper by ABF.
Each employee would have a weekly and total record of funds loaned to the company reflected in their witholding pay-stubs.
The funds would be repaid to any employee in the event of retirement, termination, voluntary quit, or any lay-off exceeding 30 days.
This power and authority would remain in effect throughout the current contract (ending April 2013), at which point repayment in full to all employees, or a renegotiation into the 2013 contract as agreed.
It is estimated that this would make capital available in excess of two-three hundred million dollars ($200,000,000.00-$300,000,000.00) over the next 3 years to ABF,
without any significant permanent loss to the employees.
The company would also be relieved of any strike action as a result of utilizing this provision as long as repayment terms are met as agreed.
In exchange for participation in The LAW Fund and providing the 0% loans, ABF would grant employees the ability to take unpaid days off with proper notice
(in accordance similar to sick day provisions).
This would allow employees the ability to adjust as they deem appropriate,
to these new financial conditions.
...
...
Let's be smart, and not giveback the wages we deserve.
[/quote] How do you make them pay you the borrowed money. they could default on the loan. don't say the contract because technically under our contract they have no right to be asking for a give back in the first place. they are not in danger of bankruptcy...this is still a fancy way of a give back. it simliar to a aesop program it won't prevent layoffs & the company has complete control over 15% of your money. how much does corporate america greed & corruption over the past 4 years alone get you to finally wake up a say NO ENOUGH. The working man gets screwed everyday & we just keep going back for more. Has anyone paid attention the last few years in every industry...we are here b/c they think they can get us too work for less..scare you & your wife. we are here b/c of YRC & if zollars hadn't made some of this worst business decisions in american business history we wouldn't even be having this conversation. Zollars borrowed more money than he could pay back no different than all these homeowners who have lost their house did...Remember when kemp said the YRC concession plan didn't fit abf...that was b/c he wouldn't open the books...2 years later of creating compaines to divert revenue from abf & cook the books with the bogus goodwill charge & buying new equipment & now he'll open the books!! C'mon guys do buy the hype
stand tall & strong you made this company & you earn every cent you make!!!!

As CEO of my household, A asked the state and the county for a 15% property tax cut, because I was low on cash.................................................
They said NO. :cry:

IMAGINE THAT!!!!

[quote author=ABF link=topic=78966.msg819364#msg819364 date=1270412076]
I'm voting NO to any givebacks.
Almost every ABF employee I work with,
and those I hear from at other terminals pretty much agree.
NO givebacks.
ABF is nothing like YRC.
I don't fault our brothers and sisters at YRC for doing what they felt they had to do.
They we're probably on the verge of bankruptcy.
I'm also taking a serious look at any Teamster official running for re-election that recommends any unnecessary givebacks.
While we wait for the "in-depth-audit" of the ABF books, this proposal was put forward that offers a different way of thinking, and possibly solves the purported cash flow problem, in a fair way,
without any significant loss of money to the employees:
...
...
In order to address and possibly solve the current liquidity and cash flow conditions of ABF,
and to allow for additional market competitiveness,
the following solution is submitted for consideration as a possible addendum to The National Master Freight Agreement.


Creation of a Liquidity Assistance Witholding Fund
Refered to as:
The LAW Fund

Each payroll period,
the Chief Executive Officer of ABF or duly authorized person shall have the discretionary authority to withold a percentage of pay equally across the board of all ABF employees,
both union and non-union alike, in an amount not to exceed 15%
These funds would be borrowed at 0% interest, and at the complete discretion and use of ABF (the company) for liquidity and cash flow needs,
for any day to day operations, or in any way deemed proper by ABF.
Each employee would have a weekly and total record of funds loaned to the company reflected in their witholding pay-stubs.
The funds would be repaid to any employee in the event of retirement, termination, voluntary quit, or any lay-off exceeding 30 days.
This power and authority would remain in effect throughout the current contract (ending April 2013), at which point repayment in full to all employees, or a renegotiation into the 2013 contract as agreed.
It is estimated that this would make capital available in excess of two-three hundred million dollars ($200,000,000.00-$300,000,000.00) over the next 3 years to ABF,
without any significant permanent loss to the employees.
The company would also be relieved of any strike action as a result of utilizing this provision as long as repayment terms are met as agreed.
In exchange for participation in The LAW Fund and providing the 0% loans, ABF would grant employees the ability to take unpaid days off with proper notice
(in accordance similar to sick day provisions).
This would allow employees the ability to adjust as they deem appropriate,
to these new financial conditions.
...
...
Let's be smart, and not giveback the wages we deserve.
[/quote]






I would like to know where he got that information too!