Teamsters Send ABF Strike Authorization Ballots to Some Members
The Teamsters union notified ABF Freight System that strike authorization ballots are being sent Oct. 8 to workers covered by a Central Region supplemental agreement that has been voted down twice.
The so-called Central Region Cartage supplement was the largest of seven side agreements that were initially turned down when union members approved a five-year contract in June. The ballots are set to be counted Oct. 29.
The strike authorization vote is mandated by the union’s constitution after ABF presented its “last best and final offer” to win ratification of the Central Region supplement, the company said in a statement.
The contract, calling for an initial 7% wage reduction, can’t take effect until all side agreements are approved.
The prior contract has been extended since June to give negotiators time to resolve differences.
Five of the seven side agreements were approved after being renegotiated. The other side agreement that hasn’t been ratified covers Western Region office workers.
ABF said that “concerns in the Western office area have been addressed, and ABF is hopeful that ratification will occur in the short term.”
In the Central Region re-vote during August, 56% of members turned down the renegotiated deal.
“ABF is encouraging employees covered by the Central Region Local Cartage supplement to vote ‘no’ to the strike authorization and to let their voices be heard by making sure they exercise their right to cast a ballot,” said the company statement.
The union didn’t respond to requests for comment.
