XPO | Xpo Union Thread.

[Fly-by-night]

When was the last time the teamsters grew a pair and said nope, we strike? All I’ve seen is “ that’s the best we’re going to get boys, better vote yes.”

When was the last strike?

Another fair point. The NEXT strike will be when we have more members. As always, strength in numbers. It's hard to fight a battle against a company with unlimited resources. They can usually wait you out. Withholding labor is the biggest tool in the tool box, but you have to be in a position to withhold ALL labor and not just some of it. It's the only way to level the playing field and deny them their resources, so they can't use those resources against you.

How many members at yrc, abf and upsf?

It was in April 1994 and lasted 3 weeks. So lets look at what was gained and lost by this strike.
The gains of the strike:
*1:30 per hour raise over 4yrs
*no part time workers
*guarantee position to drivers who's job is wipe out by increase rail use.
*increase to the Health and welfare fund
The Loses:
*new start pay at 75% of top with getting top rate in 2yrs. Before it was at 80% and top out in 18 months.
*companies can boost their rail shipments to 28% that twice or three times what many company now ship
*the right to limit drivers to a 40hrs work week and use "causal employees: rather then pay OT
*one company went out of business costing 2,000 jobs
*teamster had to borrow at least $14 million to pay strike benefits
Per this article dated 30 April 1994 there were 1.4 million Teamster at the time.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-04-30-9404300092-story.html

Now lets look at some of the other losses. Alot of shipper and receivers had there prime carrier that hauled all if not almost all there LTL freight. When this strike happen it left there freight locked in the system and also with no one to make deliverys or pickup for them. The non-union carriers were buried in freight while the union was stand outside their gate call them scabs. Thank to this strike the non-union ltl carriers like CCX/CSE/CWE, AF, and the smaller regional carrier were brought into the light to these shipper and receivers. When the strike end and the Teamster got back to work so did the companies they let hang. These same companies no longer used just one carriers they start spreading the freight around between union and non-union LTL they weren't going to be left out in the cold again. The reason was while the strike was going on the non-union LTL were refusing to make picks at non-customers. This caused some companies to layoff there own worker and some even shutdown costing them profits.
The real question is what Teamster LTL companies are still in business now that were in business back in 1994? Per the article said this strike was with 20 trucking companies. Now how many are left? YRCW would make up 4 companies (New Penn, Holland, Roadway, Yellow) and ABF. Did I miss anyone?

I didn't think you will ever see another LTL Teamster strike and here's why. The union member themselves could not afford to be out of work long enough to make any point. If the Teamster call for a strike today would the XPO barns that voted in the union go out? How many of you could be out for 3 weeks or longer. To make a real difference it has to be 2-3 months who at your place is willing to to that and who can afford to do it?
If I am correct the 3 big union carriers,UPSF, YRCW, ABF contract all expire on difference dates and years. Also I pretty sure all the contract have a clause in them that says the union is barred from a wildcat strikes during the time of the contract. So with that said what would the numbers look like. We all saw what UPSF did, empties their docks and said go ahead strike they didn't say but we all knew what that meant. We all know if YRCW would have went on strike the odds of them closing the doors were very high, hell I think they have been putting money into Saia anyway.
The only way a strike will ever work in the LTL system is for almost every national LTL carrier to be union and all fall union the same contract with the same expire date. Even if the Teamster walk out today the pain felt by the shippers and recivers would not be anywere near as bad as 1994. Thanks to the 1994 strike the non-union carriers grown and even have grown past the union one. With FDX, XPO, OD and Saia all nationwide now any strike by any union carriers will just make the carriers that are open alot busier and also rates would go up to since trailer space would be at a premium.

 

[Fly-by-night]

It's not. YRC has suffered YEARS of mismanagement right along with the CSPF. It's a perfect storm of incompetency. Conway was bleeding to death just 10 years ago and recovered. Neither XPO, SE, OD or Saia have any of the baggage carried by YRC. It's apples and oranges.

So please say how Con-way was able to recover and YRCW is not.....

 

[Hollywoodz]

How many members at yrc, abf and upsf?

Not sure how many. But, not as many as there used to be.

 

[Hollywoodz]

So please say how Con-way was able to recover and YRCW is not.....

The hole they had to dig out of was not as deep. Better management.

 

[Hollywoodz]

The only way a strike will ever work in the LTL system is for almost every national LTL carrier to be union and all fall union the same contract with the same expire date.

I think that's what I said. The same expiration date would not be relevant.

 

[Hollywoodz]

It was in April 1994 and lasted 3 weeks. So lets look at what was gained and lost by this strike.
The gains of the strike:
*1:30 per hour raise over 4yrs
*no part time workers
*guarantee position to drivers who's job is wipe out by increase rail use.
*increase to the Health and welfare fund
The Loses:
*new start pay at 75% of top with getting top rate in 2yrs. Before it was at 80% and top out in 18 months.
*companies can boost their rail shipments to 28% that twice or three times what many company now ship
*the right to limit drivers to a 40hrs work week and use "causal employees: rather then pay OT
*one company went out of business costing 2,000 jobs
*teamster had to borrow at least $14 million to pay strike benefits
Per this article dated 30 April 1994 there were 1.4 million Teamster at the time.

It seems that more was gained than lost. While I agree with SOME of the rest of this post, a lot of it is pure speculation on your part. One thing I do agree with you on is that we need as close to full participation as we can get to make any future strikes effective. In the meantime, however, there is absolutely nothing lost in forming your particular union now. You build momentum one by one and, as momentum builds, we come closer to the numbers needed to have the effect we want. 50 years ago, almost 40% of all labor were union members. Now, I think it's around 9%. That's a lot of bargaining power down the tubes.

 

[LTLIndentured]

It seems that more was gained than lost. While I agree with SOME of the rest of this post, a lot of it is pure speculation on your part. One thing I do agree with you on is that we need as close to full participation as we can get to make any future strikes effective. In the meantime, however, there is absolutely nothing lost in forming your particular union now. You build momentum one by one and, as momentum builds, we come closer to the numbers needed to have the effect we want. 50 years ago, almost 40% of all labor were union members. Now, I think it's around 9%. That's a lot of bargaining power down the tubes.

What are the top 5 reasons ( or 10) that unions have lost so many members?

I realize that much has to do with factories going abroad, but how much is about political reasons versus non political? Yes, politics is tied to unions growing or losing, but politicians are elected here by the public. It’s their choice to elect union friendly or not. So are there non political reasons?
Personally, I think it’s all interrelated.

 

[joes bar and grill]

So please say how Con-way was able to recover and YRCW is not.....

Con- Job didn't have the debt YRC has nor Bill zollars

 

[Hollywoodz]

Two months ago, this company walked out our HR specialist. I know personally that she was fired ONLY because her supervisor was jealous of her popularity with the drivers. She was excellent, kind, and went out of her way to make sure she got everyone the help they needed. Fact. Two weeks ago, our TM was walked out. Can't say I know why, but another loss for Miami. He was competent, cooperative and turned positive numbers here for the first time in a long time. Gone. This morning, our FOM was walked out. He was with the company for over 25 years, Began as a driver and worked his way up through the system. I have spoken or texted with several of his former co workers in barns where he worked before. Unconditionally and universally respected by EVERYONE, especially by me. Don't even bother to respond that there must be more to this story...because there isn't. This is one I have been personally involved with.

I am speaking about competent, qualified and incredibly good people who no longer work here. It speaks volumes about who we are to this company and who we are not. We are not someone they care about. We are not someone they will appreciate. To them, we are just another ass in the seat or warm body in the office. If they can so easily dismiss these people, especially a 25 year loyal employee, what makes you think you will be immune to their disregard for anything other than profit. If it's more profitable to put the freight on a sub service carrier, they will, with zero regard for you, your family, your mortgage or the food you have to put on your table.

You can quote numbers to me all day long. You can remind me of the corruption that you believe is still happening. You can say it's too late, this company is too far down the tubes already. You can say how weak the union is and they haven't taken a stand for their members since '94. You can say whatever you want to disparage the union and support this company.

It is or has happened throughout the system and if they care so little for the employees who are on their side of this issue, how much do you think they're going to care about you. They'll spend millions of dollars on 3rd party union busters who will tell you that you don't need 3rd party representation. If we are supposed to be family here, why are these people out on the street.

 

[XCCX]

Two months ago, this company walked out our HR specialist. I know personally that she was fired ONLY because her supervisor was jealous of her popularity with the drivers. She was excellent, kind, and went out of her way to make sure she got everyone the help they needed. Fact. Two weeks ago, our TM was walked out. Can't say I know why, but another loss for Miami. He was competent, cooperative and turned positive numbers here for the first time in a long time. Gone. This morning, our FOM was walked out. He was with the company for over 25 years, Began as a driver and worked his way up through the system. I have spoken or texted with several of his former co workers in barns where he worked before. Unconditionally and universally respected by EVERYONE, especially by me. Don't even bother to respond that there must be more to this story...because there isn't. This is one I have been personally involved with.

I am speaking about competent, qualified and incredibly good people who no longer work here. It speaks volumes about who we are to this company and who we are not. We are not someone they care about. We are not someone they will appreciate. To them, we are just another ass in the seat or warm body in the office. If they can so easily dismiss these people, especially a 25 year loyal employee, what makes you think you will be immune to their disregard for anything other than profit. If it's more profitable to put the freight on a sub service carrier, they will, with zero regard for you, your family, your mortgage or the food you have to put on your table.

You can quote numbers to me all day long. You can remind me of the corruption that you believe is still happening. You can say it's too late, this company is too far down the tubes already. You can say how weak the union is and they haven't taken a stand for their members since '94. You can say whatever you want to disparage the union and support this company.

It is or has happened throughout the system and if they care so little for the employees who are on their side of this issue, how much do you think they're going to care about you. They'll spend millions of dollars on 3rd party union busters who will tell you that you don't need 3rd party representation. If we are supposed to be family here, why are these people out on the street.

Just speaks volumes the amount they will spend to keep unions out.

 

[WiggleWagondrvr]

Really you took advise from a healthcare worker about the trucking industry.

This is not true. To you and Sucker666 it seems that way. Yes we all have our problems at our barns or FAC. Some of those here don't know what it is like to work in a ::::hole because they been here in the land of rainbows and unicorns.

we still have free coffee like many of the other barn I go to.

they show up every morning around 2 and trucks are washed 4 time a year

Don't have problem getting anything fixed.

we still get those

not sure what you are talking about here?

Please show were the company has to give you O/T hours during the week

You can't pick and choose which union companies are in play and which aren't

Please show us a union contract that says the company can't shut down. I sure NEMF would have like that claus

Then why are you working here? Why did you go work for one of them back in 2010 instead of crying on your way home?

The Teamster track record on this looks really bad. Just google closed union trucking companies. As far as I know YRC was the first one to be given concession from the union.

When I came here I heard all the whining and crying these driver did about the smallest ::::. These poor bastards would have not made on the outside. When I came here they got FREE gloves, pens, AA batteries, notepads, bottle water, coffee, donuts once a week, hot soup when it was very cold, free Gatorade and Popsicle when it very hot, and hotdog or popcorn on Fridays just to list some of the thing I remember.
You vote in the union then bitch about not having the free stuff you use to have. Well I worked for 2 union trucking companies and nothing was free, no free gloves, bottle water, coffee, donuts or anything else I listed.

There are many people here making a good living and enjoy working at there job unlike you who seem to hate working here. Yes this company has it's share of problem just like any company. Stop making this place look like hell on earth because trust me there are worst trucking companies to work for out here.

Well said. Thanks for this post.

 

[Hollywoodz]

From an LA Times article, which confirms what I was trying to say before. In 1979, the Teamsters were far more powerful. WHY? Because they had many more members. The layoffs in the auto industry were an unfortunate by product of the strike. However, look at the last line in the article. The strike lasted 10 days and the result was a 30% increase in wages and benefits over 3 years. It was because these guys stuck together, that they managed to show these companies are full of :: when they say they can't afford union wages.


"A trucking strike in 1979, when the Teamsters were far more powerful, ended up crippling the auto industry with a walkout-turned-lockout that lasted 10 days. The cutoff in freight service prompted General Motors to lay off 12,400 workers. The Chrysler Corp. shut down almost completely.

The 300,000 truck drivers and warehouse workers affected by that dispute went back to work after a settlement was reached providing 30% increases in wages and benefits over three years."

 

[upnorth]

Just speaks volumes the amount they will spend to keep unions out.

Nothing to do with the union. Happening company wide.

 

[XCCX]

Nothing to do with the union. Happening company wide.

Was referring to the last paragraph. This sentence “ They'll spend millions of dollars on 3rd party union busters who will tell you that you don't need 3rd party representation. “
I should have been more specific

 

[highspeeds]

So please say how Con-way was able to recover and YRCW is not.....

He just glazes over this. XPO is doing the same things YRC is doing. They have cut our compensation. Yes, we got pay increases. But we have lost a good deal. And they are buying out the terminals and leasing them. There are so many examples. I don't get how he is so convinced that this is any different. Even he goes on and on about them firing long tenure management. People that haven't done anything wrong.

Is it just denial ? He don't want to have to hear it so that he don't have to accept it ? Even though he himself is able to say it ??

 

[highspeeds]

I understand your skepticism and agree with you most of the time. We're on the same side here. I think our basic difference is that I think it's does no harm to try and you think it's a waste of time. We're all working this joke any way, why not try to get a laugh out of it and watch them squirm a bit. It's a free ride and if you don't like the result, you can always go back to where you are now. No charge, no harm, no foul.

You were saying that the union could change the business tactics and make this more profitable. The union can't do any of that.

 

[Hollywoodz]

You were saying that the union could change the business tactics and make this more profitable. The union can't do any of that.

It's true that the union can't mandate change in company policy, but with a grievance and arbitration process in place, supervisors can no longer randomly blame drivers and dock men for their failure to plan properly. When they are held accountable for their work, they usually pay closer attention and become better managers.

When a union contract states no outside cartage until all drivers are working or have been offered work, managers are forced to pay closer attention to keeping vehicles maintained and in service, thereby reducing the need for rentals or outside cartage. All of this increases profits.

It's a subtle change, but when drivers are well compensated and happy, productivity always goes up.

 

[Hollywoodz]

He just glazes over this. XPO is doing the same things YRC is doing. They have cut our compensation. Yes, we got pay increases. But we have lost a good deal. And they are buying out the terminals and leasing them. There are so many examples. I don't get how he is so convinced that this is any different. Even he goes on and on about them firing long tenure management. People that haven't done anything wrong.

Is it just denial ? He don't want to have to hear it so that he don't have to accept it ? Even though he himself is able to say it ??

Here's the difference.

From Reuters in 2009:
During the recent economic boom, YRC was profitable and seemingly riding high after it acquired rival Roadway Corp in 2003 for $966 million followed by USF Corp in 2005 for $1.47 billion, making it the undisputed No. 1 in the U.S. LTL market. But those acquisitions have come back to haunt YRC.

As the U.S. economy began to sour, YRC did not do enough to integrate its national network, leaving it with too many facilities, a high debt load, too many workers and high fixed costs, analysts said.

XPO did the opposite. Upon acquisition, they closed 7 terminals and shed millions of dollars in salary by immediately eliminating the LEAN program. Millions of dollars more were saved when they began trimming executive positions.

From Board:
Reasons for the Fall

The factors behind the company’s problems were, like those that drove its resurrection, many and overlapping. First, the 2003 acquisition of Roadway and the 2005 purchase of USF Corp., two companies with multiple wholly owned subsidiaries, created an unwieldy collection of entities with logistical challenges and conflicts. Just as bad, the deals were financed 100% with debt. “They bought a bunch of companies they couldn’t afford and then poorly managed what they had,” says Ross. After 2006 came years of heavy financial losses.

YRC's acquisitions were financed with 100% debt. Not so with XPO.

The transaction is not conditioned on financing. XPO has received committed financing from Morgan Stanley in the aggregate amount of $2.0 billion. The company has approximately $1.2 billion in cash and an undrawn $415 million ABL revolver, and Con-way has approximately $424 million of cash. XPO expects to substantially increase its ABL capacity based on the addition of receivables from the acquisitions of Norbert Dentressangle and Con-way.

There are huge differences between YRC and XPO, both in their terms of acquisition and their methods of trimming costs after the acquisitions. I never said that XPO will definitely pull out of the quagmire they find themselves in, but It is my opinion that they have too much invested to leave it on a street corner somewhere for another company to pick up.

Since it is my opinion that they will pull themselves back to respectability, I advocate unionization, so that we may share in the profits related to that drive back. Although some feel that the ship is sinking, there is still no reason NOT to unionize. If you unionize and the ship sinks, you've lost nothing. But, if you unionize and the ship rights itself, or even if it's sold to another entity, you will now share in the spoils along with the executives and shareholders instead of staring in the window, watching them enjoy YOUR money.

 

[Hollywoodz]

It was in April 1994 and lasted 3 weeks. So lets look at what was gained and lost by this strike.

Incorrect information...
The United Parcel Service strike of 1997, led by International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) President Ron Carey, started on August 4, 1997, and involved over 185,000 teamsters (IBT members).[1] The strike effectively shut down United Parcel Service (UPS) operations for 16 days [2] and cost UPS hundreds of millions of dollars.[3] The strike was a victory for the union, resulting in a new contract that increased their wages, secured their existing benefits and gave increased job security.[4]

 

[ED FORCE ONE]

Incorrect information...
The United Parcel Service strike of 1997, led by International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) President Ron Carey, started on August 4, 1997, and involved over 185,000 teamsters (IBT members).[1] The strike effectively shut down United Parcel Service (UPS) operations for 16 days [2] and cost UPS hundreds of millions of dollars.[3] The strike was a victory for the union, resulting in a new contract that increased their wages, secured their existing benefits and gave increased job security.[4]

The dispatch wanted me to pick up a trailer at ups in chicago and i refused and the company said i have the right to do that and i was so shocked the meanish cartage company i was at could actually be civil,thats what a union can do !