IMPORTANT NOTICE: grievances and
other time sensitive materials will not be accepted via email.
If you need assistance, please contact your business agent.
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - Update
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - Update
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - Update
February 4, 2010
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - Update
January 15, 2010
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - Update
January 4, 2010
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - Second Amended Unfair Labor Practice
September 28, 2009
Letter from Attorney, Michael R. McCarthy
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Oak Harbor Freight Line, Inc. Memorandum
September 22, 2009
Message from J. Allen Hobart, Vice-President Western Region, I.B.T.
Oak Harbor has terminated the Trust Agreement for Health & Welfare, Retirees' Health & Welfare and the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension.
Therefore, without a signed Trust Agreement, the Trust could not accept contributions.
Oak Harbor could have continued to make contributions simply by re-signing the Trust Agreements. Oak Harbor refused to do so.
The company's termination of the Trust Agreements and its refusal to re-sign those agreements are the subject of an Unfair Labor Practice Charge, which is currently pending before the National Labor Relations Board.
Fraternally,
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
J. Allen Hobart
VICE PRESIDENT WESTERN REGION
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - UPDATE
September 16, 2009
Message from J. Allen Hobart, Vice-President Western Region, I.B.T.
The Full Union Committee met in Federal Mediation with Oak Harbor Representatives Wednesday, August 26, 2009.
The Employer Representatives once again failed to put forth the Company's Proposals for the Union to consider in draft language, which would reflect the concepts in previous correspondence, Company Attorney John Payne sent June 5, 2009. (copy below)
The Union Committee and Company representatives will not meet again until Thursday, October 29, 2009 due to the unavailability of the Company.
The Union Committee will continue to push to achieve a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Several Unfair Labor Practices are pending and we wait for their outcome as well.
Letter from Oak Harbor Freight Lines Company Attorney John Payne
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - UPDATE
April 29, 2009
Message from J. Allen Hobart, Vice-President Western Region, I.B.T.
I want to take a moment to update our members at Oak Harbor about our negotiating strategy and give you an idea of what to expect from Oak Harbor in the future.
The Teamsters represent approximately 64% of Oak Harbor's blue collar and clerical employees. Over the last twenty-one months, our members have tried to negotiate a contract with Oak Harbor that promotes efficiency and still protects employees and retirees. Over this times, Oak Harbor has literally wasted millions of dollars in an effort to bully and coerce employees and avoid signing a fair contract.
Recently, Oak Harbor expressed a desire to bargain in good faith to achieve a just and fair settlement. Although we have serious doubts about the sincerity of this offer, based on feedback from our members we will wait for the company to bring a complete proposal forward.
Judging from the company's previous conduct, we anticipate Oak Harbor will continue to work with anti-worker special-interest groups to convince its employees they would be better off without union representation, avoid presenting a complete contract for employees to vote, and continue to discriminate against employees on the basis of union membership.
For now, we will continue to pursue the following legal actions to protect Oak harbor's employees:
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Illegally firing employees that support the Union: Oak Harbor illegally suspended thirteen employees and later fired nine of the thirteen for serving as leaders during the strike. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is investigation the company for illegally retaliating against these employees and we will continue to defend their rights.
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Illegally terminating health care and retiree benefits: Upon returning to work, Oak Harbor illegally stopped making payments to its employees' health care and pension funds. The company also abandoned its obligation to pay for retiree health care. We anticipate the NLRB will order Oak Harbor to reinstate these benefits in the near future.
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Illegally retaliating against long-time employees: Oak Harbor is currently discriminating against long-time employees by refusing to honor a wide range of well-established seniority practices. We are working with the NLRB to fix these violations and put Oak Harbor's most experienced employees back on the road.
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Reinstatement of Unfair Labor Practice Strikers: Approximately half of oak Harbor's employees were laid off after the strike. We believe the company cannot justify its failure to reinstate these strikers on the basis of a claim that the strike reduced the number of available jobs. Because the strike was caused by Oak harbor's illegal conduct, the company is responsible for any resulting job losses. We believe Oak Harbor, not the employees, is responsible for
lost wages and benefits. The NLRB is evaluating this claim.
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines Mediation Update
April 13, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The Bargaining Committee met with Oak Harbor's negotiating team on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. The Committee requested that Oak Harbor stop stalling negotiations and bring a complete offer forward that the Committee can review.
Per the direction of the Committee, we will wait for Oak Harbor to fulfill its obligation to present a complete offer and continue to end Oak Harbor's violations of Workers' Rights.
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Oak Harbor Teamsters New Website
March 25, 2009
Please visit the new site www.oakharborteamsters.com
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6 Fired out of 13 Suspended Members
March 25, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On February 25, 2009, Oak Harbor Freight Lines illegally suspended 13 Teamsters without pay for standing up to Oak Harbor's bullying tactics during a 157-day Unfair Labor Practice Strike. Last week, Oak Harbor fired 6 of the 13 on trumped up charges leaving out fellow brothers and sisters in a financial bind.
to read more, click here
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13 Bring Them Back
March 24, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On February 25, 2009, Oak Harbor Freight Lines illegally suspended 13 Oak Harbor Teamsters without pay for standing strong on the picket line.
Last week, the company fired 6 of the 13 on trumped up charges leaving our fellow brothers and sisters in a financial bind.
These brothers and sisters need our support. This week Teamsters from across the county will come to their aid. Any financial assistance you can provide will be appreciated. All money received will go directly to our brothers and sisters in need. Please make checks payable to Joint Council No. 28 OHFL Membership Assistance.
click here to view the flyer
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King County Washington Puts Keybank Contract Out For Bid
March 18, 2009
Churches Urge Officials to Consider KeyBank's Support of Workers' Rights Violations
The Metropolitan King County Council decided to bid out the financial services contract for the entire county on Monday. KeyBank (NYSE:KEY) held the contract for at least the past five years. At Monday's hearing testimony was given by a worker at Oak Harbor Freight who was illegally suspended from her job and from a representative of Seattle's churches against retaining KeyBank. KeyBank is the primary lender to Oak Harbor Freight, an
Auburn, Washington-based firm that caused its Teamster union workers to go on strike for 157 days due to unfair labor practices. The National Labor Relations Board has found merit in the Union's claim that Oak Harbor violated the workers' rights under federal labor law.
"Oak Harbor Freight Lines, which receives its funding from KeyBank, broke American labor law and violated international labor standards over the past two years in an ongoing effort to punish its workers and their families," said Ann Erikson with the Seattle Council of Churches representing 419 faith communities. "Teamster members are fighting to protect their standard of living and to save Oak Harbor retirees' health care."
Angel Emerson, and 11 1/2 year Oak Harbor Freight employee urged the Council to support the workers at Oak Harbor Freight. "Earlier this year the National Labor Relations Board found merit to out allegations that Oak Harbor violated federal law and bargained in bad faith with its employees," Emerson said. "After the strike concluded I returned to work, but then I was illegally suspended from Oak Harbor Freight for standing strong with my
fellow co-workers during the strike."
"We believe that King County values social responsibility," said Al Hobart, International Vice-President of the Teamsters Union. "The thread of social responsibility weaves through many of their outreach programs so we hope that it also enjoys a central role in their choice for a new financial services contract for the county."
Account maintenance, deposit services, wire transfer services and warrant services are the main elements of the financial service package being bid.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
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Instructions to Returning Oak Harbor Freight Lines Employees
March 2, 2009
If a customer asks you about the status of the ongoing labor dispute with Oak Harbor, please inform the customer that you are still working without a contract and that there are several unresolved issues from the strike. Refrain from criticizing Oak Harbor to customers.
The unresolved issues include:
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Healthcare: Oak Harbor has decided to unlawfully eliminate returning workers' healthcare plan and switch returning workers to a substandard plan administered by the company.
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Pension: Oak Harbor is illegally holding pension contributions in an escrow account, effectively abolishing Oak Harbor employees' retirement fund.
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Retirees: Oak Harbor is illegally holding contributions to their retirees' healthcare fund in an escrow account, effectively reneging on the company's obligation to contribute to their retirees' healthcare costs.
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Suspensions: Oak Harbor has placed thirteen union supporters on suspension without pay for alleged strike misconduct.
The Union and our attorneys are currently reviewing possible responses.
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February 27, 2009
The Teamsters released a scathing press release today about Cleveland based KeyBank highlighting the fact they are giving loans to Oak Harbor Freight Lines who are in the midst of a long strike with their membership. Click above to read more.
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines Retaliates Against Returning Workers
February 27, 2009
Company's Unlawful Actions Could Incite New Strike
Oak Harbor Freight Lines is attempting to fire thirteen workers, represented by the Teamsters, and illegally eliminate workers’ healthcare and pension plans after the union decided to end a five-month strike last week. Over 500 workers at Oak Harbor in Oregon, Idaho and Washington originally went on strike on September 22, 2008 to protest the company’s violations of federal labor laws. Prior to that, the Oak Harbor’s employees had never gone on strike.
The latest unlawful move by Oak Harbor could incite a new strike just as the company is attempting to recover from the 157-day strike that triggered widespread service disruptions and cost Oak Harbor more than half of its business.
“It was our hope that the company would take our offer to return-to-work as a positive step toward resolving our differences,” said Teamsters International Vice President Al Hobart. “But it is now clear that Oak Harbor’s owners and their union busting attorney are willing to sacrifice customers, ruin the lives of hard working union families and drive this company into the ground to get rid of the Teamsters.”
According to documents released by the company last week, Oak Harbor is preparing to illegally eliminate returning workers’ healthcare plan, switch returning workers to a substandard plan administered by the company and abolish workers’ retirement fund. The company will also immediately suspend, without pay, thirteen union supporters on suspicious grounds and reserve the right to terminate more employees for union activities.
“Retaliating against union supporters is just another sign that Oak Harbor is a rogue company that is being propped up by several merciless shippers and financial institutions, including KeyBank (NYSE: Key) and Burlington Coat Factory (NYSE: BCF),” Hobart said.
These actions are just the most recent in the company’s ongoing effort to deny workers a fair contract and break the Union.
In December 2008, the National Labor Relations Board found merit in the union’s charges alleging that Oak Harbor violated federal labor law and bargained in bad faith by creating a Drivers’ Committee to undermine the union, unlawfully soliciting grievances, and making unilateral changes in working conditions.
Additionally, the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) recently published a report in which it concluded that Oak Harbor violated international labor rights standards. According to the report, Oak Harbor used “permanent striker replacements to undermine freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining of Oak Harbor and employed unethical and unlawful practices in the recruitment and employment of the replacement workers, including
deceptive hiring practices, non-payment of wages and racial and gender discrimination in work assignment.”
In a response to these violations, Gap Inc. and several major customers have stopped using Oak Harbor. “The report by the International Labor Rights Forum and the failure of (Oak Harbor) management to work out a resolution with the Teamsters in a timely manner all contributed to our conclusion that our continued presence at Oak Harbor would not meaningfully contribute to a speedy resolution,” said Dan Henkle, Senior Vice President at Gap Inc.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
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Teamsters: Keybank Funds Misery
February 26, 2009
Public Information Campaign Targets KeyBank Bailout Scandal
The Teamsters Union is launching the “KeyBank Funds Misery” public information campaign today to highlight Cleveland-based KeyCorp.’s (NYSE: KEY) irresponsible use of taxpayer bailout money. KeyBank also has been financing Oak Harbor Freight Lines, a rogue company that has violated federal labor laws and international labor standards during a 157-day strike in the Pacific Northwest.
Oak Harbor, an Auburn, Wash., company, relies on KeyBank for its lines of credit, which has enabled executives to employ replacement workers for union members.
As part of the campaign, the Teamsters Union is unveiling a new Web site: www.KeyBankFundsMisery.com, where the public can find facts about KeyBank’s receipt of $2.5 billion through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) along with multiple examples of harmful misconduct.
The site highlights KeyBank’s student loan scandal, payment of IRS fines related to a questionable corporate tax shelter and lobbying of Congress to advance corporate bankers’ interests. The site also provides a forum for KeyBank customers and employees to tell their own stories, and to help them organize a KeyBank action. The site will be advertised on popular Web portals across the nation.
“KeyBank has a history of predatory student lending that has left students with an unfulfilled education and huge loans to pay off,” said Ira Rheingold, Executive Director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates. “In repeated cases, KeyBank used various federal rules to avoid liability and leave innocent students with huge debt. Because of KeyBank’s abusive student lending past, we as consumers and taxpayers should not be rewarding them with a
huge taxpayer bailout unless effective safeguards are in place to control KeyBank’s behavior.”
The Teamsters are also sponsoring a series of giant bus ads in KeyCorp’s hometown of Cleveland. The ads read, “KeyBank: Takes Our Money; Wastes Our Taxes; Hurts our Kids,” and prominently feature photos of children negatively affected by KeyCorp’s support of Oak Harbor Freight Lines.
“KeyBank is receiving $2.5 billion in TARP funds from taxpayers,” said Al Hobart, Teamsters International Vice President and President of Joint Council 28. “KeyBank was given this money under the condition that it act in the public interest. But its practices of predatory lending to students, lobbying and tax evasion, along with the financing of Oak Harbor Freight Lines, have had severely negative effects on American workers and their families."
The Teamsters Union has asked its local unions across the country to contact KeyCorp. immediately and begin the process of transferring their banking business.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
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Stone Cold! Stoneway Electric Hurts Kids
Stoneway: Pick on Someone Your Own Size
Stoneway refuses to demand that its trucking company, Oak Harbor Freight Lines, treat striking employees and their families with respect. The kids of the truck drivers who transport electrical supplies to Stoneway Electric are suffering because of Stoneway. Click here to view the flyer.
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Why Are Smart Shippers Leaving Oak Harbor?
Some of the largest companies in the country are moving their business away from Oak Harbor including the Gap Inc., REI, and JCPenney.
Unsafe Drivers: A report by the Federal Motor Carriers Administration revealed that an Oak Harbor driver in Oregon was caught driving a vehicle without a license to operate a commercial vehicle.
Dangerous Safety Violations: Video evidence shows Oak Harbor drivers regularly improperly placarded hazardous loads, putting the public and customers at risk.
Workers Rights Violations: The National Labor Relations Board, an independent agency of the US government, believes Oak Harbor violated federal labor laws protecting workers rights and bargained in bad faith with its employees.
Oak Harbor is spending millions to keep its loyal employees out on strike, monies that could have resolved this dispute long ago.
WHY PAY MORE TO GET LESS?
DON'T FUND OAK HARBOR'S ILLEGAL ACTS!
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Lynden Transport Employees and Teamsters Local Union 313 Support
OHFL Strikers
February 2, 2009
On Saturday January 31st, 2009, Lynden Transport Local Union 763 office clerical staff and Local Union 313 drivers, brought lunch and food supplies to the OHFL terminal strike tent, in a how of support for the OHFL strikers.
Louise Beam of Local 763 organized the event, which was attended by several Local Union 313 staff and executive board members including Secretary-Treasurer John Emrick, Vice-President and BA Bob McDonald, Trustee Richard Pardo, and BA Nick Lansdale. The food and camaraderie was welcomed by the Local Union 174 and 763 strikers, and we want to thank everyone from Teamsters Local 313 and Lynden Transport for their support in this ongoing strike.
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Victory - REI Leaves Oak Harbor
January 30, 2009
Memorandum from Tyson Johnson, National Freight Division Director
On behalf of the National Freight Division, I want to thank all the Local Unions that have leafleted REI stores this week to support striking Oak Harbor Freight Lines employees in the Northwest. Thanks to your support REI has agreed to stop using Oak Harbor immediately. Please refrain from leafleting REI stores at this time.
Again, thank you for standing in solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters in the Northwest as they enter the 18th week of the strike. We will be redirecting our energy toward Gap Inc. and KeyBank.
Both Gap Inc. and KeyBank continue to support Oak Harbor's war against our fellow Brothers and Sisters.
click here to read a copy of the memorandum ______________________________________________________
Teamsters Begin Withdrawing Funds from Keybank Over Strike At Oak Harbor Freight
January 29, 2009
Pension and Welfare Funds Being Transferred
Teamster local unions across the country have informed KeyBank of Cleveland, Ohio, that they intend to end their financial relationship with the bank. KeyBank and its parent company, KeyCorp, are the primary lender for Oak Harbor Freight, based in Auburn, Washington, where more than 600 Teamster members have been on strike for the past four months.In a letter addressed to local unions from Florida to Washington, Teamster
President Jim Hoffa asked that they contact KeyCorp immediately and begin the process of transferring their business to a comparable service provider.
“KeyBank, which operates branches in several states, is playing a critical role in the ongoing dispute by providing funds that allow Oak Harbor Freight Lines to survive,” Hoffa said.
Teamsters started bargaining for a new contract with Oak Harbor in October 2007 and so far the union negotiators have met with management over 25 times. Union members went on strike on September 22, 2008 to protest Oak Harbor’s violations of American labor laws. This is the first strike in the five decades that Teamsters have represented employees of Oak Harbor Freight.
It is estimated that local Teamster unions and sister unions maintain approximately $18 billion in assets through KeyCorp and its subsidiaries.“KeyBank doesn’t want to help Washington families,” said Al Hobart, International Vice President for the Western Region. “Our members have been forced to strike because Oak Harbor, the company they’ve devoted their lives to, has committed numerous Unfair Labor Practices and by their
actions have shown their lack of social conscience toward their employees.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million hard working men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines Strike by Secretary-Treasurer David Grage
January 9, 2009
The Strike at Oak Harbor Freight Lines is over three months old and there is no end in sight. Local 763 members have been on Strike since September 22, 2008 in support of an Unfair Labor Practice Strike. Our Sisters and Brothers — some of whom are shown below during warmer
weather a few weeks ago — have been “hitting the bricks” since that time. Our members, along with Local 174 members, are very special indeed. These brave women and men continue to struggle against this Company, who is bound and determined to get rid of the Teamsters at any cost. Our members face the reality of having only Strike Pay for income, about $200 per week, and dealing with the weather extremes. They have been out in the rain, freezing temperatures, snow,
wind and just about everything in between for months.
They are very special because there is almost no complaining about the acute conditions they face; they understand that they are at war with extremely Evil Company Owners. These Owners are the poster children for “Godless Corporate Greed.” There are no shelters to get out of the weather at Corporate Headquarters, which is where the majority of our members picket. We did have a small tent on the adjacent property, just behind the sidewalk, that provided some relief from the wind and rain for
them. Oak Harbor contacted the property owners next door during week 10 of the strike and complained that the tent was a visual hazard to outgoing traffic and coerced them to have us remove the tent. Our members, along with Local 174 members, are very special indeed. These brave women and men continue to struggle against this Company, who is bound and determined to get rid of the Teamsters at any cost. Our members face the reality of having only
Strike Pay for income, about $200 per week, and dealing with the weather extremes. They have been out in the rain, freezing temperatures, snow, wind and just about everything in between for months. They are very special because there is almost no complaining about the acute conditions they face; they understand that they are at war with extremely Evil Company Owners. These Owners are the poster children for “Godless Corporate Greed.” There are no
shelters to get out of the weather at Corporate Headquarters, which is where the majority of our members picket. We did have a small tent on the adjacent property, just behind the sidewalk, that provided some relief from the wind and rain for them. Oak Harbor contacted the property owners next door during week 10 of the strike and complained that the tent was a visual hazard to outgoing traffic and coerced them to have us remove the tent.
Then the freezing, windy, snowing, bitter cold weather moved in and our members continued to hold the Strike Line strong. The ideals these brave Teamsters are standing up for are not all that different than from those ideals other generations of Union Labor have stood up for in the past. The courage that these members have shown and continue to show is simply amazing. Local 763 represents the Office
Staff and Mechanics at Oak Harbor. The majority of Local 763 Strikers are Office Workers who, prior to this Strike, had no idea that they would be called upon to make such sacrifice and to be so brave in this fight This Strike is one of the worst in Joint Council 28 history. The Evil Owners, along with their Union-Busting Attorney Firm and Hired Thugs severely underestimated the resolve, the pride, the patience, the professionalism, and the perseverance
of all of our Striking members and the Striking Teamsters from other Locals. We are so very proud and humbled by their courage and the stand for what’s right that these Teamsters have taken. We salute these Striking Brothers and Sisters and stand beside them. ______________________________________________________ Oak Harbor Update December 30, 2008
The National Labor Relations Board has ruled the
Union's initial charges of Unfair Labor Practices by Oak Harbor Freight Lines have merit and that the strike by the Teamsters is an Unfair Labor Practice Strike. The Company has until the close of business on December 31, 2008, to agree to a settlement or the National Labor Relations Board will issue a Complaint against Oak Harbor Freight Lines and take the case to trial. The Board has not yet ruled on charges regarding surface bargaining filed by the Union but it is
expected to do so in the near future. The Federal Mediator is attempting to schedule a meeting between the parties. I will keep you advised, Fraternally, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS J. ALLEN HOBART VICE-PRESIDENT WESTERN REGION ______________________________________________________ Teamsters Protest KeyBank at
Arena Bank Supports Labor Rights Violator Oak Harbor Freight Lines December 13, 2008  (Seattle) - Teamster members on strike at Oak Harbor Lines protested outside of KeyArena in Seattle today, KeyBank, the corporate sponsor of KeyArena, is the main financier of Oak Harbor Freight Lines where more than 600 Teamsters in the Northwest have been on strike
for the past 12 weeks because of unfair labor practices by the company.
"We went to KeyArena to alert consumers that KeyBank doesn't want to help Washington families." said Al Hobart, Teamsters Joint Council 28. "This bank supports the unfair labor practice strike we have at Oak Harbor, but they also cheat customers and lobby against Americans facing foreclosures." The Consumer Federation of America reported
that KeyBank uses deceptive practices to charge excessive and hidden overdraft fees. Worse, Key Bank sits on the board of several mortgage industry associations that fought to stop a Senate Bill that would have prevented well over 1.2 million home foreclosures and avoided property declines of $200 billion,
"People need to know that Key Bank finances Oak Harbor Freight Lines," said Marv Deegan, a retired Oak Harbor Freight Lines employee. "Since Oak Harbor cut off our healthcare, I have to decide whether to eat or to pay my insurance premium. This is a terrible hardship for my family." For the past 12 weeks, Teamster members have been walking the strike lines in the Seattle area, and Portland. Soon after the strike began Oak
Harbor announced they were ending the health care payments of strike workers and retirees. "It's cruel that any company could dump the health care of their retirees to the side of the road, but that's what Oak Harbor Freight has done," Hobart said. "And KeyBank is an equal partner with Oak Harbor in doling our hardship to families." ______________________________________________________
Teamsters: KeyBank Ethically Bankrupt National Radio Ad Highlights Bank's Financing of Worker Abuses December 12, 2008 (Washington, D.C.) - The Teamsters Union launched a nationwide radio ad on Air America today concerning KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) for betraying taxpayers and for financing Oak Harbor Freight Lines'
labor abuses. Oak Harbor workers in Oregon, Washington and Idaho were forced to strike Sept. 22 to protest the freight company's violations of U.S. labor laws, as well as hostile efforts by company representatives to intimidate workers. A day later, Oak Harbor took the extraordinary step of cutting off health benefits to its workers and retirees. Cleveland-based KeyBank, which is set to receive $2.5 billion from the Troubled Asset Recovery Program
(TARP), is on the board of several mortgage industry associations that lobbied to stop a Senate bill that would have prevented well over half a million home foreclosures. KeyBank also serves as the principle financial institution for Oak Harbor Freight Lines. “KeyBank’s irresponsible decisions are putting working families in a bind,” said Margaret Butler, the Director of Portland Jobs with Justice, who led a protest at KeyBank's main branch in Portland
last week as part of Jobs with Justice's “People's Bailout” National Week of Action. “At this moment of crisis, KeyBank needs to extend relief to working Americans instead of financing a rogue company like Oak Harbor that has broken U.S. labor law and violated international labor standards during a 3-month strike in the Northwest.” “Momentum is growing against KeyBank’s support of Oak Harbor,” said Al Hobart, President of Teamsters Joint Council
28 and International Vice President. “We are going to continue to take our message to the public and inform them of the anguish Keybank is causing American workers and families.” The Teamsters’ radio ad will run on the national radio network Air America, and is expected to reach at least 1.6 million listeners. Air America is also available online at www.airamerica.com.
To listen to the radio ad, follow this link: http://www.teamster.org/popupContent.aspx?id=26436 The full text of the radio as follows: (little girl): KeyBank has no loyalty:
bank penalties, Expensive fees.
They support Oak Harbor's greed
On the West Coast
(Narrator): It’s no wonder KeyBank finances Oak Harbor Freight Lines. After all, Oak Harbor violated workers’ rights and cut off health care for retired employees. Tell KeyBank to stop playing kiddy games and get serious about workers and their money. This ad was brought to you by the
Teamsters Union. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. ______________________________________________________ JCPenney Drops Oak
Harbor Trafficworld.com
12/10/2008
John Gallagher
Associate Editor
The Teamsters union said $20 billion retailer JC Penney dropped Oak Harbor Freight Lines as its western U.S. carrier in support of the union's strike against the company.
"Our position has been that this is a dispute between the union and Oak Harbor -we're not taking sides," said JC Penney spokesman Tim Lyons. He acknowledged JC Penney recently consolidated with a larger national carrier traffic previously carried by Oak Harbor. However, it was an efficiency move that would have been done with or without a strike at Oak Harbor. The strike, which started Sept. 22, was called
after labor talks stalled over claims of unlawful worker rule changes and threats by management against employees. "We are pleased that JC Penney has made the socially responsible decision to cease working with a company that has so blatantly violated workers' rights,: said Tyson Johnson, Teamsters International Vice President and Freight Division Director. "We will continue to take our message to Oak Harbor's customers and bankers until they stop these
abuses. Oak Harbor should be willing to negotiate with our workers in good faith and allow for a dignified retirement." The International Labor Rights Forum, a labor advocacy group, also claims the company violated federal anti-discrimination laws and accuses the carrier of unethical business practices. Oak Harbor, whish has denied any employee-related violations, sayd over 73 percent of its customers have
resumed shipping with the company since the strike began. However, only 60 percent of its bill count has come back as a result of the weak economy. http://www.trafficworld.com/newssection/trucking.asp?id=48954 ______________________________________________________
Striking Oak Harbor Employees Honor Retirees Company
Dissolved Retiree Health Care Payments December 6, 2008 (Portland, Oregon) - Dozens of striking Oak Harbor employees, who are members of the Teamsters Union, held a rally yesterday on the strike line at Portland's Oak Harbor Freight terminal. Over 600 Teamster workers have been forced out on strike at Oak Harbor for the past 11 weeks and recently the company cut off health care benefits from
retirees. "We believe our retirees have upheld their part of the bargain, and now the company is abandoning them," said Bob Andersen, a 14-year driver at the Portland terminal. "The retirees are the people who built Oak Harbor Freight. It seems as if the company is done with them now and wants to get rid of them. read more
______________________________________________________ OAK HARBOR - ULP CHARGES HAVE MERIT - memorandum November 26, 2008 Dear Sisters and Brothers: The Labor Board has found that our Unfair Labor Practice Charges against Oak Harbor Freight Lines have merit. John
Payne has just received news of this today. In the absence of a settlement, the National Labor Relations Board, Region 19 will issue a Complaint and take Oak Harbor to trial on the following charges:
- improperly establishing and controlling a "Drivers' Committee" and directly dealing with employees through that committee
- soliciting grievances through the Drivers' Committee, promising benefits, and granting benefits to employees
- making unilateral changes to the Dock Workers' bid system
- unilaterally revoking the policy of allowing time off weekend work to attend Union meetings at the Auburn terminal
The Board also agreed with our position that the strike is an Unfair Labor Practice Strike. This means that Oak Harbor does not have the privilege of permanently replacing strikers. The Unfair Labor Practice concerning surface bargaining is still under investigation, but we hope to get that completed very soon, possibly in the next couple of weeks. This is great news and will hopefully force Oak Harbor to reassess its options. Fraternally, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS J. ALLEN HOBART VICE-PRESIDENT WESTERN REGION click here to view the memorandum ______________________________________________________
ILRF Reports Numerous Labor Rights Violations Committed by Oak Harbor Freight Lines ILRF Press Release November 25, 2008 International Labor Rights Forum released a new report finding that Oak Harbor Fright Lines violated
International labor rights standards. Oak Harbor is a trucking firm headquartered in Auburn, Washington, that provides over-the-road transportation and delivery services for many commercial clients, including the company's the Gap, Inc., the Maytag Corporation and others. The report found that Oak Harbor's decision to permanently replace its employees was a tactic to interfere with a legitimate union's attempt to bargain a new collective agreement.
The panel of international labor rights experts and social justice leaders convened by ILRF found these actions to be a violation of internationally recognized right to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining (ILO Conventions 87 & 98). According to the panel, Oak Harbor had intentionally provoked conditions that would be unacceptable to the union and its members during the collective bargaining. The panel also found that
African-American and female employees working for a labor contracting firm hired by Oak Harbor have suffered discrimination in their work assignments, a clear violation of international and national laws. Oak Harbor's labor relations practices have also come under increased scrutiny by the company's customers. Since the strike began, a number of the company's customers reportedly have stopped
using Oak Harbor for shipping, including REI, Urban Outfitters Inc., and Maytag Corp. View ILRF Oak Harbor Report Final November 25, 2008.pdf ILRF website
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Oak Harbor Freight Lines - Update November 21, 2008 Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today, Friday, November 21, 2008, marks the fourteen (14) days from the last date of Federal Mediation between the Union and Oak Harbor. At that meeting, we presented
options to the Employer that would have allowed addressing unresolved issues, such as healthcare, sick leave and retiree medical, as well as other outstanding issues. The Employer representatives received our suggestions but have not responded in any way since that meeting. It is clear to me that the Vander Pols, Ed and David, are hell bent to break you and the Union at any cost. You, the Employees, have paid a horrific price in this struggle to
maintain a contract, which protects you and your family in wages, benefits and working conditions. The arrogance and pride of the Vander Pol brothers have not only cost them countless millions, but also the company's reputation, which will be forever tarnished and the loss of customers, some of whom will never come back regardless of the final outcome of this dispute. This conflict could be resolved in a short
time if Oak Harbor management would negotiate in good faith with everyone's best interests in mind, treating all as a family, which they have claimed they considered you, as so many times before, but their actions have reflected otherwise during the negotiation process. The Unfair Labor Practice Charges are still undecided at the National Labor Relations Board and will be resolved, but at what date, only the Federal Government can determine.
The cost to you and your families in both mental and economic cost, that David and Ed have chose to inflict on you by forcing you to strike is a terrible burden, but you as a Union family has risen to the challenge. This Union will see this fight to the end with your continued diligence and support which are essential to achieving a final resolution of this labor dispute.
Fraternally, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS J. ALLEN HOBART VICE-PRESIDENT WESTERN REGION ______________________________________________________
Oak Harbor Freight Lines Willing to Meet in Mediation 10/23/08 Today, Al Hobart, President of Teamsters Joint Council 28 and International Vice President, sent a letter regarding the Union's willingness to negotiate on October
29th through October 31st with the mediator and the Company's Representatives with the understanding by both parties that the Union is not waiving its legal position that the strike in an unfair labor practice strike. ______________________________________________________
Oak Harbor Freight Lines Strike Assistance 10/06/08  On Monday September 22, 2008, 600 Oak Harbor Freight Lines workers Oregon, Washington and Idaho were forced to strike in protest of Oak Harbor's violations of America's Labor Laws, as well as hostile efforts by company representatives to intimidate workers.
Rather than correcting these violations by negotiating with its employees' representatives in good faith, Oak Harbor's owners have hired a notorious strike breaking
anti-union law firm and imported teams of professional strikebreakers to coerce and scare loyal long-time employees. Oak Harbor employees, through their Union, have filed Unfair Labor Practice Charges with the National Labor Relations Board alleging Oak Harbor engaged in "bad faith bargaining". Unfortunately, the Board is in no hurry and is no ally to the workers. The men and women on the strike line need your
support to keep the fight going. Therefore, we are requesting monetary aid for our Brothers and Sisters in need. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. All money will go directly to strikers. Please make checks payable to Joint Council No. 28 OHFL Membership Assistance. Thank you for your support. ______________________________________________________
Oak Harbor Freight Lines Strike Assistance 10/06/08 UPDATE On Monday September 22, 2008, 600 Oak Harbor Freight Lines workers Oregon, Washington and Idaho were forced to strike in protest of Oak Harbor's violations of America's Labor Laws, as well as hostile efforts by company representatives to intimidate workers. Rather than correcting these violations by negotiating with its employees' representatives in good faith, Oak Harbor's owners have hired a notorious strike breaking
anti-union law firm and imported teams of professional strikebreakers to coerce and scare loyal long-time employees. Oak Harbor employees, through their Union, have filed Unfair Labor Practice Charges with the National Labor Relations Board alleging Oak Harbor engaged in "bad faith bargaining". Unfortunately, the Board is in no hurry and is no ally to the workers. The men and women on the strike line need your
support to keep the fight going. Therefore, we are requesting monetary aid for our Brothers and Sisters in need. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. All money will go directly to strikers. Please make checks payable to Joint Council No. 28 OHFL Membership Assistance. Thank you for your support. ______________________________________________________
Oak Harbor News Update 10/2/08
 The Company has notified the Local Unions involved in the picketing that paychecks will be available at the terminals. We have declined their invitation to cross our own lines in order to get our checks, Therefore, the checks will be mailed to your last address on record at the Company. Please look at your previous check stubs to verify correct address. If not correct, please let us know so we can pass along the correct information to the Company.
In other news, it has been confirmed that your health benefit eligibility will continue through the end of November. Sad news, current retirees will see a significant increase in their monthly portion of their health care coverage as of January, 2009. The spirits are high on the line. The Company is hurting. Rumor has it they only produced 10% of number of freight bills
normally produced prior to the strike. ______________________________________________________ BREAKING NEWS 9/23/08 Federal Labor Law Violations Provoke Teamster Strike at Oak Harbor Trucking Company Refuses to Bargain in Good Faith.
 
(Seattle) - Teamsters at Oak Harbor Freight Lines in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho walked off the job last night in response to hostile efforts by company representatives to bully and intimidate workers. Oak Harbor Freight Lines, one of the largest trucking companies on the West Coast, provides time sensitive delivery services to come of the largest companies and government agencies in the country including the Gap,
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Safeway, Siemens, Georgia Pacific, McKesson, Owens & Minor, JC Penny, Honda, GM & Chrysler Parts, Urban Outfitters, Whirlpool, and the State of Washington. "The last thing we want is a strike". said Al Hobart, Teamsters Vice President and Teamster Joint Council 28 President. "We understand that service disruptions during the peak shipping season and holiday rush hurt everyone. Oak Harbor's owners just have not left us
with any alternative. The company seems to be more interested in violating the law than protecting the interests of its customers." Union officials report the National Labor Relations Board is investigating several labor law violations committed by the company including coercing and threatening employees, as well as making unlawful changes to working conditions. "The bargaining position taken by the company
made this strike unavoidable," said Tyson Johnson, International Vice President and Freight Division Director. "Oak Harbor's customers will likely experience service disruptions soon." Founded in 1903, The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
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