Management Update: ABF, Teamsters may re-open talks.

The Teamsters Union said last month that it's looking into establishing a dialogue with ABF Freight System Inc., a less-than-truckload subsidiary of Arkansas Best System, to renegotiate ABF's labor agreement, the National Master Freight Agreement. Teamster officials said that they have not entered discussions with ABF; but based on its current understanding of the industry, the company's financial position, and concerns from ABF Teamster members, they stated that “it's in our best long-term interest to fully engage ABF through formal discussions to determine what type of contractual relief may be necessary.” An ABF official told LM that the company is pleased that the Teamsters Union recognized the need for potential discussions.