43
YRC could close Youngstown terminal
YOUNGSTOWN
YRC Freight, which operates an extensive national network of heavyweight trucking hubs, including a terminal in Youngstown, issued a notice to more than 50 local Teamsters chapters highlighting its plans to consolidate and reduce its workforce in the process.
The long-awaited consolidation plan hit the desks at union halls nationwide Monday. According to the plan, consolidation is required to cut costs and improve efficiency, among other things.
Though Teamsters International will first have to sit down with YRC for further discussion, 10 jobs potentially are on the line at the city’s terminal if the plan goes forward and the decades-old location is closed, said Ralph Sam Cook, secretary-treasurer at Teamsters Local 377 in Youngstown.
The company’s Akron facility would lose four jobs at its distribution center, but it would gain seven road-driver positions, according to the plan.
A major distribution hub in Cincinnati, slated to close entirely as part of consolidation, potentially could mean more than 200 job losses.
In most instances, though, YRC is offering affected employees a chance to transfer to new locations, where new jobs will become available with expansions.
Overall, net job loss along the company’s network would be 230 positions.
“They’re always looking at consolidation,” Cook said. “When are they going to do it? Are they going to do? We just don’t know yet.”
Teamsters International has advised all local chapters to avoid scheduling discussions with YRC until its National Freight and Negotiating Committee has sat down with company representatives.
Afterward, Cook said, the local chapter in Youngstown will have more information about what’s next for workers here.