Teamsters Achieve Historic Wage Increases with New Standard Forwarding Contract

On November 22, 2024, the members of the Standard Forwarding Teamsters made a resounding statement by ratifying a national freight master agreement with an impressive 92 percent approval rate. This landmark contract, which affects over 350 drivers, brings substantial improvements in wages and benefits, establishing a new standard within the freight industry.

Scott Lee, who has been a dedicated driver at Standard Forwarding for 14 years and is a member of Local 120, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "This is a phenomenal contract achieved through our unity, strength, and determination." He emphasized the challenges faced due to inflation and highlighted the significance of the wage increases, which will provide more security for their pensions and continue to ensure access to Teamsters health care. Lee’s optimism resonates with many members who see this agreement as a way to secure their future.

This five-year agreement includes a remarkable 26 percent wage increase over its duration, marking one of the largest wage hikes in recent memory for the freight sector. Additionally, the agreement incorporates Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a newly recognized paid holiday, enhances the provisions for overtime pay, adds two extra paid sick days, and preserves existing health care benefits and pension rights.

Bill Wedebrand, a representative for the Teamsters National Freight Division in the Central Region, commented, "This agreement is a win for our members, delivering meaningful improvements to their lives." He spotlighted how this contract not only benefits immediate members but also sets a higher bar for the freight industry as a whole, demonstrating the strength and influence of Teamsters contracts.

John A. Murphy, the Teamsters National Freight Division Director, added that the significant gains from this contract are expected to facilitate more successful organizing efforts at Standard Forwarding. "This agreement is proof of what can be achieved with a united and determined membership," he stated. Murphy indicated that the Freight Division is dedicated to building on this victory to further expand representation among workers in the sector.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents a broad community of approximately 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It has been a pivotal force in advocating for workers' rights and improving labor conditions. As they continue to champion the causes of working individuals, the successful ratification of this contract underscores the power of solidarity and effective negotiation in securing better conditions for labor in the freight industry.

For more information about the Teamsters and their advocacy work, you can visit their official website at Teamster.org, or follow them on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The strong support demonstrated through this ratification is likely to inspire similar movements within other sectors and organizations seeking to enhance the welfare of their members.

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