Teamsters, trucking firms reach contract deal

? The Teamsters union said Thursday it has reached a tentative agreement on a new 5-year master contract with four major trucking companies that will boost wages and maintain health insurance coverage at no cost to drivers and other workers.

“This is a tremendous contract for our members, especially in a time of recession on the brink of war,” said Teamsters spokesman Bret Caldwell.

The current contract with the Motor Freight Carriers Assn. expires March 31. The association includes Roadway Express, Yellow Transportation, ABF Freight System and USF Holland.

The tentative agreement was reached early Thursday. It would cover 65,000 truck drivers, dock workers and office personnel, and still must be approved by union members.

The deal increases the average hourly wage of $19.90 by $2.25 over five years. Health insurance coverage will be maintained with no cost to workers.