Local Yellow Employees Say the Company Targeted Older Workers in Contract Talks

Local Yellow employees grappling with job losses have raised concerns regarding a recent bankruptcy news release issued by their company. Akron Beacon Journal reported that these local Yellow employees have suggested that the company may have intentionally targeted older workers during contract negotiations.

Local Yellow Employees Say the Company Targeted Older Workers in Contract Talks (PHOTO: Yahoo News)

What Do Local Yellow Employees Say?

The news release, which was issued on Sunday, pointed fingers at Teamsters leadership for the collapse of the freight hauler. The announcement also marked the cessation of normal operations by the company on July 30, resulting in the permanent closure of various locations including Copley Township, Richfield, and Green. This move left hundreds of local Yellow employees unemployed.

Yellow’s CEO, Darren Hawkins, expressed his perspective on the company’s experience negotiating with the Teamsters, emphasizing the challenges encountered during the process.

Former local Yellow employee Keith Stephenson, who had worked at the Copley terminal, highlighted the bankruptcy announcement’s failure to depict the company’s role in the negotiations. Stephenson questioned the company’s approach and drew attention to its public statements on national news outlets.

Stephenson recalled the fluctuating proposals presented by the company during discussions with the Teamsters. He noted that over time, these proposals progressively became less favorable for the workers.

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Local Yellow Employees’ Views

In the view of Stephenson and fellow local Yellow employees, the company did not make the most of concessions made by its unionized workforce, estimated at around 23,000 according to Yellow’s bankruptcy filing. Stephenson pointed out that these concessions were not adequately acknowledged by Yellow’s executives.

Issues around the negotiation process have sparked debate among the local Yellow employees. Charles Ferrell, a driver from Copley, expressed a sentiment shared by many, suggesting that both sides could have been more attentive to the workers’ interests.

Despite the challenges, some local Yellow employees have taken proactive steps. Lee Volkov, a local driver for Yellow, recently secured a position with another trucking company. Volkov shared his optimism and determination to move forward, stating, “I’m going to keep on truckin’. Yellow is in my rearview mirror now and I need to keep my eyes on the road ahead!”

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