UPS Teamster communication networks answer divide-and-conquer.

UPS management wants us divided and in the dark so they can violate our rights and push us to work faster.

UPS Teamsters can protect ourselves and each other by building effective communication networks that inform and involve the members.

Use Group Chats to Keep Members Informed

Group chats using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Discord are proven tools to inform members and keep them in touch with each other

Members can use group chats to share alerts about management, remind members how to protect themselves, answer contract questions, and build solidarity.

Members can share a harassing DIAD message and get support to enforce their rights.

When management is out doing observations or delivering packages, we can use group chats to alert members and document grievances.

During the summer, we can use chats to remind members to work safely and take needed breaks.

“Management has the DIAD that they use to harass us–our tool to counter that is communicating through chats on our phones,” said Shane Carignan, an RPCD steward in Rhode Island Local 251. “I mapped out our center and created smaller group chats with members who I knew were already friends with each other—that way they are more likely to use the chat and it doesn’t get overwhelmed with messages like a larger chat. We use the chats to share updates, warn each other about management tactics, and build solidarity.”

Parking Lot and Breakfast Meet Ups

Short parking lot meetings and breakfast meetings are another way to inform and unite your coworkers.

At a parking lot meeting, you can inform members of their rights, answer questions, and show management that members are coming together.

When members who are intimidated or less involved hear other members talk about enforcing our rights, they are more likely to do it themselves.

“When I first started having parking lot meetings only a handful of members would come,” said John Gascey, an RPCD in Local 509 South Carolina, “but once word spread that we were sharing critical information, our meetings started growing. Now nearly 100% of members show up. It’s made a huge difference in building solidarity and giving my coworkers more confidence when they talk to management. It also helped build the union—we went from an 80% membership rate to nearly 100% in a ‘right-to-work’ state.”

Conference Calls

Conference calls are another tool for members and stewards to network and share information.

In Wisconsin Local 344, stewards have a weekly call where they discuss contract enforcement and how to involve members.

“Weekly conference calls has been a great way for us to brainstorm solutions to common issues within our buildings and learn different strategies and tactics from each other,” said Lindsey Hamman from Wisconsin Local 344. “Talking to other stewards and activists has helped me connect with members across the state and broadened my knowledge and ideas on how to take on shop floor issues.”

Communicating Is Organizing

The bottom line is that communicating is organizing.

Management wants us isolated and guessing. When Teamsters talk to each other and stick together, we even the playing field.