Crouse Mechanics Sign Contract

Crouse Cartage Co. of Carroll, Iowa, said a contract was ratified by a local union representing Chicago-area mechanics following a one-day strike June 2.

The temporary disruption in service cost the company $300,000 in lost revenue and increased expenses, management said.

The mechanics had been working without a contract since March 31, 1998. After the strike, union members ratified the previously rejected best and final offer put on the bargaining table, company officials said.

"While the one-day strike had a negative impact on our current operations, we believed it was essential to hold our ground and achieve a labor contract consistent with those previously agreed to by our other union employees," said Timothy O'Neal, president of Crouse Cartage's parent, TransFinancial Corp. in Lenexa, Kan.

Crouse is a regional less-than-truckload carrier serving 15 Midwestern states.