PRESIDENT’S CORNER . . .
February, 2008
The first part of 2008 has proven to be even more difficult then we expected. The economy continues to wreak havoc with the stock market and the weakening economy is stalling our investments in the Teamster Funds across the country.
The National Master Freight Agreement was recently ratified by a 67 percent margin. I know many of our members were not in total favor of the contract but as I said to you at the Union meeting, we must look at the big picture and our benefit packages and that of our fellow workers across the country desperately need the infusion of capital that this contract brings. We have always treated our benefit packages as a sacred cow and this contract will continue to protect what we hold dearest.
We are faced with another hill to climb now. We must find a way to get a fair contract with DHL Worldwide. This Company is also going through a financial struggle and at stake are 450 of our members and their families. There have been numerous negative reports abut DHL. I can assure you that we have been working hard attempting to find a middle ground to keep this Company afloat and insure our DHL members continued employment. We have another nine days of negotiations scheduled in February and I am hopeful we can reach an agreement. We must maintain a positive position to help turn this Company around. It is a delicate balancing act trying to deliver a good contract in bad times but I am confident with our leadership and commitment, we will succeed.
I told you it was going to be a tough year and so far, it has been. We will continue to work through these problems and with the help and support of the membership, we will come out on top again.
Fraternally,
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