TDU has obtained a copy of a UPS management guide on how to use spying, harassment, and oversupervision to discipline and fire drivers. Read management’s plan for yourself and how you can protect yourself from unfair discipline.

A title slide gives the game away: “Documentation Necessary to Support Progressive Discipline up to Discharge: Start with the End Game in Mind.”

The guide is disgusting, but not surprising. It exposes what Teamsters already know. Carol Tome’s UPS doesn’t care about employees, safety, or customer service. 

Management picks and chooses methods to intimidate us into speeding up. Discipline and termination are the ultimate stick.  

Four Key Methods to Exploit for Discipline

The training tells managers to focus on four methods:

• Drivers must keep 30" and 60" selection areas charged
• Drivers must keep one foot in the “Batter’s Box"
• Drivers must know and remember their next 3–5 stops
• Drivers cannot use the DIAD in the package car

Why the focus on these four methods? Because they are measurable. Or as the management manual says: “No subjectivity. Easy to validate.”

Managers are encouraged to get picture proof of DIAD use in the package car and of 30" & 60" selection areas when they are not charged.

Observations & Rides

The training gives tips on how to spy on employees:

• “Do observations after noon - reduces the load quality excuse”
• “Observe often and at random times. Don’t follow a routine.”
• Avoid being conspicuous.

OJS rides are another tool managers are told to use for speed-up. The manual says, “Centers where managers and division managers participated in rides saw largest gains.”

How to Protect Yourself

Teamsters can protect each other. Here’s how.

First, show the managment guide to other UPSers. We all need to understand that Hunting Season is on and the company has a plan. Management is not our friend.

Second, follow the methods every day starting with the four target methods. Learn the methods and use them to control the pace of work. Build up your muscle memory. Do your job like management is watching, because they may be! 

Third, use TDU’s Hunting Season resources to protect yourself and other members. Don’t forget to document your rides with the OJS checklist.

Information is Power 

Information is power. Don’t let management get the upper hand. 

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