Building on the momentum generated from the completion of supplemental negotiations, management and Teamster negotiators have completed a successful week of bargaining for a new National Master Freight Agreement,
according to representatives from both sides.
"Negotiations were very productive, with both sides expressing a desire to produce a contract that will position our companies to effectively compete well into the future," said Tim Lynch, president and CEO of the Motor Freight Carriers Assn.
"We have addressed a wide range of issues, and the pace of negotiation remains good. Both labor and management representatives have dedicated considerable time and effort to a thorough review of the issues that will allow our companies to grow, increase work opportunities and provide job security for our employees," Lynch continued.
Talks will resume the first week of January as the negotiating process moves forward. "We continue to recognize that maintaining customer confidence in our ability to provide first-class service is paramount," Lynch concluded.
Phil Young, co-chairman of the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee, said, "We resolved most of the supplemental agreements on Dec. 5, and that momentum carried over to this past week as we began national talks. In the supplemental agreements, the Teamsters won many improvements throughout the country and didn't accept any concessions. We are continuing that success at the national talks."
However, Young noted, many important issues have yet to be resolved. "We hope to continue the pace of progress when national talks reconvene in January," Young said.
The National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) and the supplements cover more than 80,000 Teamsters. The NMFA expires March 31, 2003. Many of the key economic issues, such as wages and benefits still need to be negotiated.
The Teamsters want to achieve a contract that maintains strong health benefits; protects pension benefits; strengthens the grievance procedure; wins real wage increases; improves working conditions; and limits subcontracting.