UPS Teamsters face a surge of volume after UPS suspended its SurePost delivery agreement with the U.S. postal service. So far, the addition of millions of Surepost packages has meant that post-peak layoffs have gotten off to a slow start. But many drivers are also facing massive loads and long hours. Our 9.5 protections against excessive overtime are in effect as of January 15. Enforcing the contract is the best way to guard against the twin threats of excessive overtime and layoffs.
9.5 Rights Are in Effect - Use Them!
If you signed the 9.5 list, make sure to file a grievance if you work over 9.5 hours three times in a week. UPS must pay triple time for those hours.
If you have not signed the 9.5 list yet, use the Add/Cut form to sign up now.
Under the new contract, if UPS violates your 9.5 rights more than four times, you are entitled to an elevated meeting with the District Labor Manager to get your route adjusted. Violations of 9.5 after an elevated meeting pay out at quadruple time.
The sooner you start filing 9.5 grievances, the sooner you will qualify to get your route reduced or quadruple time penalty pay for hours over 9.5.
9.5 protections went into effect immediately on January 15—no waiting period. If you work over 9.5 hours three times between today and Saturday this week, make sure to file a grievance.
Note: The Local 705 and 710 Agreements feature different 9.5 language. Members in those locals should reference their Local's agreement.
Working Safe & Smart on Local Sorts
The end of Surepost has also created a mess in many local sorts that were designed for bulk bagging of packages bound for the post office. The end of Surepost has led to overflowing belts and egress issues.
Supervisors should not be touching packages. If they do, file a grievance and make UPS pay for supervisors working violations. Click here for contract enforcement tips.
Will Volume Stay Up?
It remains to be seen what will happen to volume in the wake of Surepost. Some customers may move away to low-cost carriers as UPS raises prices. Other customers, especially the big volume ones, will want to stick with UPS because of service and reliability.
UPS is creating a new service called UPS Ground Saver. This lower-cost service comes with a catch: “The time and date of any package tendered for UPS Ground Saver is not guaranteed.”
The company’s UPS Ground Saver agreement says that final delivery of packages can be done by UPS or the USPS. This leaves the door open for UPS to reach a future agreement with the postal service. But for now, UPS has confirmed that its agreement with the USPS is terminated.
Enforcing the Contract Together
The end of peak means “Hunting Season” is on at UPS with layoffs, petty discipline and harassment. The end of Surepost may change what that looks like this year, but it’s coming. Enforcing the contract together is the best way to protect ourselves.
Register now for a webinar on protecting your rights at UPS after peak. The webinar will be held on Sunday, February 2 at noon Eastern, 11am Central, 10am Mountain, 9am Pacific. Pre-registration is required.