ABF eyes next step in Teamsters’ suit

ABF Freight System is weighing options after a federal judge again dismissed its lawsuit against the Teamsters union, YRC Worldwide, New Penn Motor Express and USF Holland over alleged violations of the National Master Freight Agreement.

U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright of the Western District of Arkansas dismissed the case without prejudice Aug. 1. Arkansas Best Corp., ABF’s largest subsidiary, originally filed the lawsuit in 2010 against the Teamsters and several YRCW subsidiaries over allegations of non-compliance with the collective bargaining agreement that covers most unionized U.S. truckers.

Wright had dismissed the case previously, but the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals later reversed her ruling. Last week, an ABF spokeswoman said the less-than-truckload carrier is evaluating its choices, which could include a second appeal to the Eighth Circuit or refilling the case in district court.

YRCW issued a statement that it is satisfied with Wright’s ruling, which it described as in accordance with the language of the collective bargaining agreement. NMFA negotiations are upcoming.

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