The IBT National Master Freight Agreement: What You Need to Know

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) is a collective bargaining agreement that covers over 200,000 workers in the freight industry. It sets standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions for employees of the major freight carriers in the United States.

The NMFA is a critical document that lays out the terms and conditions under which employees of the freight industry work. It is renegotiated every five years between the Teamsters and the major freight carriers, including ABF, YRC, and UPS Freight. The most recent NMFA was ratified in 2018 and is set to expire in 2023.

Under the NMFA, Teamster members are guaranteed annual wage increases, health and welfare benefits, and pensions. It also provides for a grievance process that enables workers to address workplace issues. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for improved safety and training programs, as well as protections against subcontracting and the use of non-union carriers.

The NMFA has a significant impact on the freight industry as a whole. It helps to ensure that workers are compensated fairly and that they have access to benefits and protections that they may not otherwise have. It also helps to prevent disruptions in the industry by establishing standards for all carriers.

In recent years, the NMFA has faced challenges from carriers who seek to avoid its terms and conditions. Some carriers have attempted to use non-union carriers or contractors to perform work traditionally done by union members. Others have attempted to negotiate separate contracts that do not adhere to the NMFA. These challenges have led to strikes and other labor actions in the freight industry.

Overall, the IBT National Master Freight Agreement is a critical document that establishes the terms and conditions for workers in the freight industry. It ensures that employees are compensated fairly, have access to benefits and protections, and establishes standards for all carriers. While it has faced challenges in recent years, the Teamsters continue to fight for the rights of freight workers and to uphold the terms of the NMFA.