“I want nothing to do with a company-run pension plan.”
--Michaela Eades
“The company health care plan would give you half of what we have now with the Teamster plan.”
--Tim Claibourn
“Once you let the company control your health care, you can never get the control back.”
--Jeff Wallace
“Our retirees would lose their health care coverage under Oak Harbor’s company-run health care plan.”.
--Al Hobart
Negotiations
Oak Harbor Contract Negotiations Update: Management’s Plan: Expansion at Any Cost?
Tukwila, Wash - After two negotiation sessions with a federal mediator, union representatives and Oak Harbor Teamsters from across the company have declared the company’s latest contract offer unacceptable. “Management should be ashamed for putting this offer on the table. It’s despicable, unfair, and it doesn’t respect our contribution to the Company,” said one line driver.THE COMPANY'S LATEST OFFER WOULD:
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Oak Harbor’s latest offer would eliminate health care coverage for current and future retirees, move employees onto a substandard health care plan, freeze contributions to employees’ retirement fund, eliminate paid sick leave, prevent new dockworkers from obtaining health and welfare benefits, allow the company to use subcontractors to replace office staff, and introduce a discriminatory two-tier job classification for office staff.
“At the request of the company we agreed to mediation with the belief that the Vander Pols would put an offer on the table that respects the contributions of their employees,” said Bob Pathenroth, Teamsters Western Region Freight Director. “Unfortunately it is becoming clear that Oak Harbor is more interested in funding its expansion by turning its back on employees than working with the Union to find creative solutions.”
In an effort to bully employees, Oak Harbor continues to threaten to permanently replace employees if they are forced to strike. “It is disgusting when a company tries to bully its employees, but it is even worse when they threaten to throw you out after dedicating years to make this a successful company,” said a shop steward at an outlying terminal.
At the postnegotiation meeting, Oak Harbor Teamsters expressed disappointment with the company’s attempt to intimidate workers. “The Vander Pols need to understand that fear tactics aren’t going to work here,” said another shop steward. “The only thing that is going to settle this is a fair contract that values the contribution of Oak Harbor’s employees.”
July 23, 2008
OAK HARBOR FREIGHT LINES MEDIATION UPDATE
To All Members Signatory to the Oak Harbor Freight Lines Labor Agreement Locals 81, 174, 231, 252, 324, 483, 589, 690, 760, 763, 839, 962, and Joint Councils 28 & 37
From: AL HOBART, BOB PAFFENROTH, & KEN THOMPSON
JOINT COUNCIL OF TEAMSTERS NO. 28 NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
At the Company's request, we met with Oak Harbor management's negotiating team on Monday. A Federal Mediator acted as a go-between for the day.
At this time, we do not have any major progress to report. The Company's proposal would still eliminate health care coverage for retirees, move you onto a substandard health care plan, and freeze the Company's contributions to your retirement fund.
At the urging of the Federal Mediator, we will meet with the Company again on Monday, July 28, 2008 as we continue to make every effort to reach a fair agreement that honors your contributions to Oak Harbor.
Before the mediation session started, retired Oak Harbor workers picketed outside the Company's Headquarters to inform the public about Oak Harbor's effort to abandon its retirees. As you know, if Oak Harbor's owners get their way, many Oak Harbor retirees - the ones who built this Company - will lose their health insurance. For your information, please take a look at the attached release we sent out to local press.
Oak Harbor should know that in a customer-driven business, like LTL Trucking, it's simply shortsighted and self-destructive to treat workers badly. Study after study has shown a strong link between customer satisfaction and companies' performance in the area of valuing and rewarding employees. Oak Harbor is also learning that, despite their best efforts to weaken and divide workers, Teamsters are standing together and will continue to stand together until we have won a fair and just contract.
In the coming weeks, we will make every effort to provide you with the latest news on Oak Harbor and our fight for respect and a fair contract.
Stand Strong,
Your Negotiating Committee
February 1, 2008
To All Members Signatory to the Oak Harbor Freight Lines Labor Agreement
Locals 81, 174, 231, 252, 324, 483, 589, 690, 760, 763, 839, 962, and Joint Councils 28 & 37
From Justin "Buck" Holliday, JC-28 Freight Trade Division Director
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
The Union and Company met January 28th through January 31st, in continuance of negotiations of a successor agreement to the one which expired October 31, 2007.
The parties agreed to a process which allow negotiations to continue in a positive fashion; enabling the Union and the Company to discuss the important economic issues put forth by either side. Both the Union and the Company representatives, including International Union Freight Division Representative, Mike Simeone, and International Union Vice-President, Al Hobart, have committed their efforts in working toward resolution. This does not mean there are not still difficult issues to be addressed; it simply means the parties have found a way to continue discussions.
There are three (3) consecutive days scheduled in late February and the parties are hopeful this will produce positive results.
Further communication will be provided in the near future; however, if you have questions or concerns, please contact your Local Union Representative(s).
Your continued patience, cooperation and solidarity are truly appreciated.
December 06, 2007
A letter from JC-28 Freight/Carhaul Division
From
Justin Holliday, Director
Dear Brothers and Sisters: The Union Negotiating Committee through Joint Council No. 28 reached out to the International Freight Division for assistance in the current Oak Harbor Freight Lines negotiations. Mike Simeone was assigned by the International Freight Division and was present at the recently concluded December 5th and 6th sessions. Negotiation dates have been scheduled for the week of January 7th and we have been assured that the International Freight Division will continue to provide resources and assistance as needed.
We wish you and your families a Happy Holiday Season and appreciate your continued patience, support and cooperation.
December 01, 2007
A message from JC-28 Freight/Carhaul Division
From
Justin Holliday, Director
From Justin Holliday, Director
The Union Negotiating Committee, comprised of representatives from each of the signatory Local Unions and the Company, concluded another series of negotiation dates on September 28, 2007; from which, a number of 'tentative agreements' were reached on various Articles and/or Sections of the Agreement.
In the essence of time and value, the parties agreed to address those issues of the greatest importance to each respective party, at the next scheduled negotiations, in late October. Very significant topics are intended to be discussed at the next session(s) and we believe that essential communication(s) will be forwarded to the membership, from the Union Negotiating Committee, as a result.
Please share with your membership that the Union(s) is/are aware of the fact that Company representatives are meeting with terminal employees concerning the Company's desire(s) and direction regarding their 'compensation package' and that we are communicating with legal counsel on this subject. Also, request your membership to forward any questions or concerns regarding these meetings to each of their respective Local Union representatives; and, most importantly, ask that someone from each respective Local Union report on the details of each meeting to their Local Union. The report(s) we receive from our membership(s) must be accurate and exact, as much as is humanly possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Buck or Ken at your convenience.
November 26th, 2007
A message from JC-28 Freight/Carhaul Division
From
Justin Holliday, Director
To: Locals Signatory to the Oak Harbor Freightlines Labor Agreement: Locals 81, 174, 231, 252, 324, 483, 589, 690, 760, 763, 839, & 962, and Joint Councils 28 & 37
From: Justin "Buck" Holliday, JC-28 Freight Trade Division Director
Ken Thompson, JC-28 Freight Division Recording Secretary
RE: Oak Harbor Freight Lines Negotiations Update
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The Employers and Union Committees met on November 19th, 21st, and 26th, through which the Union committee provided the company representatives with our complete document (all language and economic proposals). Additional negotiation dates are scheduled for December 5th, and 6th, at which time we are expecting the company's complete document. Western Region Freight Coordinator Bob Paffenroth will be in attendance on these dates to access the status and progress of these negotiations.
Many important issues still need to be addressed and we are hopeful that through time the parties will be able to reach a positive resolution. Your continued support, patience and cooperation are appreciated and if you have any questions or concerns please contact your Local Union Business Representative.
November 9th, 2007
A message from Al Hobart,
IBT Vice President, Western Region
The latest letter from your Employer is another attempt to divide and weaken your Union.
The Union Negotiating Committee does not want to "strike." A strike would only occur if Oak Harbor forces one on you the members in hopes of increasing their profits. By taking money out of one of your pockets and putting it in another pocket by dropping or weakening benefits and calling it a raise, the Company knows you would be suffering a reduction in overall wages and working conditions which includes medical, time loss and retirement benefits.
Have faith in your Local Union Leadership, who serve on the Negotiating Committee. Remain strong and united and we will achieve a fair and equitable contract.
Fraternally,
J. Allen Hobart
IBT Vice President, Western Region
