Penske Teamsters to Vote Thursday on TA with Major Raises, Language Improvements

Local 455 Penske Teamsters will vote on a new three-year tentative agreement at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, that incudes major boosts to wages across classifications and language improvements that protect Teamster jobs. 

"Our members stayed strong, stayed focused on the end goal," said Steve Estey, bargaining committee member and Chief Penske Steward at the Ironton barn. "We have good things in this deal for our future." 

Among improvements in the three-year deal for 140 members mechanics/techs, customer service reps and fuelers/washers: 

• Wage increases ranging from 79-cents per hour for fuelers/washers up to $3.90 per hour for reefer techs to $5.04 per hour for Tech I workers -- not including $2 per hour incentives for CDL holders, weekend and second shift work; $3 an hour incentive pay for third-shift workers; and $1.15 per hour premiums for Teamsters serving as leads. 
• Penske Teamsters who work outdoors more than 75 percent of their shifts will receive a 75-cent per hour incentive on top of their hourly rates.
• Significantly, the tentative agreement protects Teamster work in the event of new technology: "The company must train employees to new tech," said Business Agent Greg Marshall. "This work is set in stone. They have their employment protected." 
• The new deal also prevents random drug testing for non-CDL certified employees; strengthens discretionary benefits to ensure they are available to all members; allows members to carry over one week of vacation; and maintains the 7-day time frame for timely discipline. 

"Penske's the big dog on the block," said Dean Modecker, Teamsters Local 455 Secretary-Treasurer, "And they needed to come through for these workers. We started the year out with a bang and we're ending it with a bang." 

If ratified, members will see the pay increases in their Christmas-week checks. The three-year deal will expire on Jan. 12, 2027.