XPO warehouse workers file for Teamster representation

Representing North Haven, Connecticut-based warehouse workers for freight transportation and logistics services provider XPO Logistics, Teamsters Local 443 said yesterday it filed for Teamsters representation. This follows similar action from earlier in the week, when Illinois-based XPO Freight (the former Con-way Freight LTL group) also filed similar action, according to a Teamsters statement.

The statement explained that the 125 XPO warehouse workers in Connecticut intend to become the first XPO Teamster-represented warehouse workers at XPO, adding that employees that were formerly part of Con-way Freight in Miami, Laredo, Texas; and Vernon, California have formed their union with the Teamsters and Aurora, Illinois-based freight workers filed for their election on September 14.

“The workers at XPO Logistics in Connecticut play a key role in the company’s success, yet they are treated poorly and receive low wages,” said Steve Vairma, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “The company needs to recognize the excellent job these workers do day-in and day-out, which is why the workers are taking a stand.”

The Teamsters added that the North Haven workers are seeking fair wages, affordable and better health care, retirement security, improved working conditions and respect and dignity on the job.

In a statement provided to LM by XPO, the company had a different take on the situation.

“It's no surprise that the Teamsters want to organize XPO employees to gain more dues-paying members, given the union's significant declines in membership and credibility. We have strong relationships with our employees and the independent contractors who serve our customers. We're confident that the best way forward is to continue the direct and open dialogue we have now, without interference from a third party.”

An industry stakeholder added that the Teamsters previously were defeated or withdrew election petitions 9 times, with the defeats coming in Buffalo, NY, Santa Fe Springs, San Fernando Valley and Bakersfield, CA, Manchester, NH, Harlingen, TX, and Portland, OR, with the Teamster petition withdrawals prior to vote coming in Irvine, CA and Orlando, FL.

Prior to XPO announcing it planned to acquire Con-way a year ago, there had been various attempts to get Con-way Freight to unionize, which were unsuccessful.

And in an October 2015 interview with LM, XPO Chairman and CEO Brad Jacobs said that he has dealt with unionization efforts throughout his entire career, including at United Waste and United Rentals, which have never succeeded.

“The reason…is we respect our employees and pay our employees fairly and communicate with them regularly,” he said. “They are part and parcel of the whole culture. When I was doing town halls in Joplin, Missouri (Con-way Truckload headquarters) meeting with drivers, I asked what they thought about unions, and they winced. They don’t like unions, because why do they need a third party to get between them and the company? What value does that add?”