UPS Workers Send a Message

WDRB
June 11, 2013

Union workers at Louisville's largest employer are sending a message that they don't like a new contract on the table -- and they're going against the grain, because the national union thinks it's a good deal.

 

A few dozen in brown banded together this morning at UPS Bluegrass in Jeffersontown. They were trying to send a message to UPS, and to union members on the national level.

"We think the company did a great job negotiating...for the company," said David Thornsberry, a union steward. "But our union people didn't do a good job for us, so we're trying to get it sent back to get a better contract -- a much better contract."

Even though national union leaders say "let's vote yes" on the proposed contract, the men and women of Local 89 are urging workers to vote "NO."

UPS officials say they aren't quite sure why.

"It's a good deal," said Mike Mangeot. "It's got raises, it's got benefits enhancements. It is in their best interest, we believe, to vote yes."

Teamsters from across the country are voting on a new, five-year contract with UPS. It includes boosts in pension and pay raises.

But some workers say it won't offset a change in healthcare costs.

A "yes" vote comes with a $1,000 bonus for Worldport workers. Some union members think it's a way to "buy" votes.

The current contract expires July 31. Ballots can be cast through June 22.

We're told that if the contract passes, it goes into effect August 1. If, for some reason, it does not pass after the vote ends on June 22, UPS and the union workers will go back to the bargaining table and begin negotiating again.

Even though voting ends June 22, it will take about a week to tally all the votes.

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