The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) met with TForce Freight this week in Dallas to continue negotiations for a new national agreement to succeed the current agreement expiring July 31.
This week’s bargaining session brought some significant progress and productive discussions.
Here is a brief synopsis of the key developments:
- Tentative Agreement (TA) on Article 17 (Pay Periods): The penalty pay for pay shortages has been increased to eight hours per week until rectified. Additionally, a new provision has been introduced to address payroll errors. The company can now go back and collect an overpayment up to 120 days (previously, there was no boundary). However, there is now a limit on the amount the company can withdraw, set at $50 per week. Furthermore, when a reimbursement has been requested, if the employer has not reimbursed the bargaining unit member after three payroll periods, a penalty of eight hours per week will be imposed until the issue is rectified.
- TA on Article 14 (Military Clause): Members now have the right to request unused vacation when notifying the employer of a military leave, and this request cannot be denied. This provision aims to provide additional support and flexibility to employees serving in the military.
- Progress on Article 6 (Suspension, Discipline, and Discharge): Both parties are reporting that they are very close to reaching an agreement on this article.
- Proposal Exchanges: The negotiating teams exchanged proposals on several articles, namely Article 5, 13, 18, 25, 26, and 30.
“Overall, this week’s bargaining session has shown promising developments with the resolution of key issues and productive exchanges of proposals,” said Kris Taylor, Co-Chair of TNFINC at TForce Freight. “We are working hard and making progress towards reaching a comprehensive agreement that addresses the concerns and priorities of all Teamsters at TForce Freight.”
Negotiations will resume June 26 in Ft. Worth.