Our contract campaign at UPS forced the company to install 18,000 new fans inside of buildings. Many of those fans are filthy and just spew dust and dirt around. We can make UPS address the problem by taking union action. Here’s how.

1. Document the problem 

Identify the dirty fans. Talk to your steward. Ask them or your business agent to take photos or a video to document the problem.  

2. Ask management to fix the problem

Report the problem to management with your steward. Ask them to have the fans cleaned. Write down the date of the conversation and management’s response.

3. File a grievance

If management doesn’t address the issue in a reasonable amount of time, file a grievance.

4. Involve other members

If management still doesn’t address the issue, take group action. Talk with your steward and other members and collect signatures on a petition or group grievance. Deliver it to management and the safety committee as a group. 

5. Stay on it

UPS buildings are dusty and fans won’t stay clean long. Stay on the issue. A grievance settlement should include that management will have all fans regularly cleaned and kept in clean and working order.