Tentative labor deal reached between ABF, Teamsters

The estimated 8,600 drivers, dock workers and other unionized employees of ABF Freight may soon vote on new five-year contract if Teamster leaders next week approve sending the tentative agreement out for a vote.

Members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have approved a strike authorization if an agreement is not settled by June 30, the end of the existing five-year labor contract.

According to a Wednesday (June 7) press release from Fort Smith-based ArcBest, the parent company of ABF Freight, the two sides have “reached a tentative agreement on the national and supplemental labor contracts with the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee, the negotiating arm of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. An employee ratification vote is expected to begin soon, and the new five-year agreement is proposed to become effective after the current contract expires on June 30, 2023.”

The company did not provide details on key contract terms, saying instead it will “provide additional updates in the coming weeks.”

The Teamsters also did not provide contract details, but said the new deal will “provide members with wage increases and improvements to benefits and working conditions, among other gains.” Teamster officials are set to meet in Chicago next week to review the deal before authorizing a membership vote. The Teamsters say they represent around 8,600 ABF employees.

“At the start of negotiations, we promised to fight like hell for our members at ABF. I can confidently say that we did just that. This tentative agreement is a testament to our hard work, strength, and determination at the bargaining table,” John Murphy, Teamsters Freight Division director, said in a statement. “I want to thank the entire negotiating team for their hard work and commitment throughout the bargaining process, especially our rank-and-file members who served on the committee.”