The Teamsters National Master Freight Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Teamsters National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) is a collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and several trucking companies in the United States. This agreement sets the standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions for over 75,000 workers in the freight industry.
The NMFA has been in place since 1964 and has gone through several revisions and updates over the years. The most recent version, negotiated in 2018, covers workers in the freight industry across the country. It is a five-year agreement that runs from April 1st, 2018 to March 31st, 2023.
Under the NMFA, workers in the freight industry are entitled to minimum wages, cost-of-living adjustments, and various benefits. The agreement establishes specific wage rates for different types of work, such as city drivers, dockworkers, and road drivers. Additionally, the agreement provides for supplemental pay, including night shift differential and holiday pay.
The NMFA also includes provisions for medical and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, and pension plans. These benefits help ensure that workers in the freight industry have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage and retirement security.
The agreement also includes language addressing safety and health issues, such as the use of personal protective equipment and hours of service regulations. These provisions help promote a safe and healthy work environment for freight industry workers.
While the NMFA covers many workers in the freight industry, there are some exemptions. For example, the agreement does not cover workers employed by small trucking companies that are not part of the National Master Freight Agreement. Additionally, some workers may be covered under separate collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the Teamsters and specific trucking companies.
Overall, the Teamsters National Master Freight Agreement is a crucial document that sets the standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions in the freight industry. As the freight industry continues to grow and evolve, the NMFA will play a vital role in ensuring that workers receive fair compensation and are protected on the job.