One of the nation’s largest carriers has announced it’s shutting the doors of one of its hubs.
This week, YRC sent a 132-page document to union leaders across the country, outlining the company’s plan to shut the doors on its West Chester, Ohio location.
The plan would provide 279 truck drivers, mechanics and dock workers the option to relocate to another location hundreds of miles away or be left without a job. The closest hub is located in Indianapolis. Should the workers decide to relocate, they may be eligible to receive $2,500 to $4,000 reimbursement for moving expenses, the document states.
“It’s devastating,” Butch Lewis, president of the Teamsters Union Local No. 100 told Cincinnati.com. “This has always been a profitable location. Our guys are shocked, and they’re very, very angry, too.”
“A lot of our guys have already been transferred into the city from Buffalo, Toledo, Detroit, Akron and Columbus” Lewis said. “Now they’re going to have to pick up and go somewhere else in the company if they choose to.”
Yesterday, YRC issued a press release confirming the upcoming changes.
“By realigning our network, YRC Freight will reduce the number of handling and relay locations to build network density,” said Jeff Rogers, president of YRC Freight. “These network improvements will be seamless to our customers and when implemented, will improve our service. Our continuing effort to optimize our network is also a key part of our sustainability efforts as we reduce mileage and emissions. Better density means fewer empty miles and less emissions.”
YRC is the 4th largest carrier in the United States. According to Transport Topics, the company earned $4.9 billion in revenue in 2011.