Experience with YRC ( includes YRC, New Penn, USF Reddaway and Holland

Where's my GD beer?

 

I'm the Daughter of a Reddaway driver here in the North West.. Since the buyout from YRC, the local terminal has been shut down, most former management has been let go, the local drivers were given the ultimatum to either work out if a terminal an hour away from the old one or tuff luck . Along with the pay cut and lack of pension contributions , which as I've found is pretty common across the board.


My Father has dedicated 18years to this company. When I say dedicated I mean he never used sick or vacation time, works insanely long hours, an is probably one of their most experienced drivers.. I've seen this man stuff a black& blue swollen sprained ankle into a work boot and return to work the next day.. He has had a reacquiring back issue for about 2years now, which when hits its hardest fully debilitates him for about a week at a time.. This has happened twice, only once did he use any work mans comp funds and that was just to see the mandated doctor and get his prescriptions.. He's used his vacation time to comp for his wages.


After the most recent time his back went out, mind everyone this is of no fault of his own.. He's 54, he's been unloading freight since he was 17yrs old his body is tired nothing more nothing less. YRC sent a series of 3 warning letters to my Dad, on average far more than he's ever had in the past 18yrs. He owned one if them, but the other 2 seem obvious that management is fishing.. All were separate incidents but were categorized as "failure to perform the duties of a driver"


The story can go on forever, but it ends with a termination after a confrontation with another employee who has caused multiple issues for my Das as well as already winning a lawsuit against the company. My dad was approached by the coworker, made it clear he didn't want to talk to him.. Walked away, then when followed to his truck turned around and told the coworker not to ever talk to him again..(with I'm sure some explicit language thrown in).. However, no threats, no physical contact.. Nothing more than a direct leave me alone.. A letter reached corporate, my dad was told to park his truck, go home, your suspended until further notice... 10 days later he was terminated on the grounds of "creating a hostile work environment"..


I can't help but feel that YRC was targeting my father because he had the potential to cost them a lot if $$ if ever his back fully gave out on him, it seems to me they got a hold of an issue they could run with and now my dad is out of work at 54.. No one but YRC has seen the allegations, nor has there been a chance to explain my Fathers story to anyone..
If YRC is so hard up for drivers that they are asking their men to work 14+hour days, can't provide a terminal or even a portable restroom, as well as requesting their drivers do things that are beyond their permits.. Why are they so eager to get rid of such a reliable employee?? Has anyone heard of things like this happening else where since the buyouts?...
The union has began the grievance process, however I would think if YRC was that concerned about what the union may do they wouldn't be pulling this bull....


If anyone has any insight, or suggestions my family could really use it.. The old Reddaway did some really great things for my Dad and I, he raised me on his own and I was always treated like their own daughter.. I'm so frustrated with this situation, they may have worked the bark out of my ol' Dad.. But not me.

 

Thanks, yes it was injured on the job.. Was it what he did that day or because he's been doing this job all his life.. His body is just wearing down. I don't think the doctor gave any special limitations yet. I feel that may be what the company was worried about. An yes he is a Teamster, but I can't help but wonder if YRC had any concerns about the union they wouldn't think they could get away with the stuff they have... I'm I interested to see if any of the older guys around have had even a hint that they may be up on the chopping block.


We haven't even seen the complaint or allegation. Just park your truck, 10 days later a letter claiming "directly contributing to a hostile work environment."..

 

Call an attorney and ask what they can do for you. Has he talked to his union rep?

 

They have begun the greviance process, I guess it just depends how willing the union is to fight it.. I think an outside attorney is the best chance he's got for a real fight.. He's been able to collect letters from former drivers, and management to say that he was never aggressive in all the years they worked together. As well as signatures from customers saying he always did a great job... Everyone knows its bull, but after this I'd be spooked to say anything too. I gues theses are the kinds of things that keep people saying screw corporate America huh?

 

Your father will have to go thru the grievance procedure before you can take any other steps to gain his job back. If you speak to an attorney or the NLRB the first question they will ask is if your father has filed a grievance. If everything you say is true your father should have no problem getting his job back thru the grievance procedure.