RICHMOND, Va. (July 12, 1999) — Teamsters on strike at 11 Overnite Transportation terminals returned to work on Friday, ending a week-long protest over unfair labor practices.

The walkout, which started Monday, eventually spread to 11 terminals: Kansas City, Memphis, Atlanta, Indianapolis, North Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Toledo, Marietta (Ga.), Milwaukee, Miami, and New Orleans. Toledo, Minneapolis and Milwaukee started picketing Friday morning, with pickets returning to the Marietta location after disappearing earlier in the week.

Although Overnite refused to meet with Teamsters representatives to discuss their complaints, Hoffa said the picketing was a success. “You have sent Overnite the message, loud and clear, that you want the Overnite bosses to cease their unfair labor practices immediately. Š The ball is now in Overnite’s court.”

Overnite, the largest non-union less-than-truckload carrier in the United States, said it continued to serve all its normal service points throughout the strike.

The Teamsters are the certified bargaining agent for Overnite employees at 21 of the company’s 166 locations, and Teamsters are in negotiations for a first contract.

Overnite, based in Richmond, Va., says eight of those locations have filed to decertify the Teamsters as their bargaining representatives.