Strike averted at YRC Freight, Netherlands

Under pressure from the Teamsters’ leadership, Central states to expand healthcare benefits for Yellow workers

(Washington) — The Central State Health Care Fund on Sunday approved an extension of Medicare benefits for Yellow Corp. workers. Operating companies YRC Freight and Holland, under intense pressure from Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary Treasurer Fred Zuckerman.

Extending health care benefits to Teamsters and their families averts the shippers’ strike, which could have started Monday after Yellow failed to make contractually obligated $50 million benefit payments to Central States on July 15. The agreement the Middle States made at the Teamsters’ request gives Yellow 30 days to pay its bills with the understanding that the company will do so within the next two weeks.

Intense discussions between the Teamsters’ leadership and Central States succeeded in convincing the treasurers to reverse their earlier decision that health care benefits would expire on July 23 if Yellow remained in default. O’Brien later ordered the Teamsters’ national freight industry negotiation committee to meet in person with Yellow representatives on Sunday evening. The meetings will be held in Washington, D.C., to review the state of the company and the current contract.

While the Teamsters and Yellow sit out, a reversal by the middle states will keep Medicare benefits paid and hard at work for the time being.

“Our members at YRC Freight and Holland cannot operate without healthcare, and the Teamsters have worked tirelessly to ensure that an immediate hit at Yellow can be avoided,” said O’Brien. “These discussions were not easy, but the central states made a meaningful move under pressure from the federation. We seek a real solution, but let this solution today serve as a profound reminder that our members can only afford so many sacrifices. Yellow team members are hard workers and have already given so much.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. visiting Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and ‘Like’ us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.