Central Officials: Off to Vegas, Florida
The party is back on in the Central Region, too. The 2007 UPS grievance panels for the Central Region will be held at resorts in Florida and Las Vegas. Since the members and stewards who need to attend are in the Midwest, these seem to be planned more around golf outings than representation. In July they will hold one panel in the region: next to a golf resort in Traverse City, Mich.
Minnesota Teamsters Organize Rank-and-File Contract Campaign
February 27, 2007: Now is the time to win a strong new contract for the 1,200 Local 320 Teamsters at the University of Minnesota, members say. “We’re bargaining from a position of strength this year,” said Erik Jensen, a janitor at the University. “Some of the new people in the legislature got there because voters are so mad at funding cuts for education. We’ve got to use this opportunity to get the best contract we...
University of Chicago Teamsters Organize for Higher Raises
February 27, 2007: With no support from their local, Teamsters at the University of Chicago are getting ready for a rank-and-file contract campaign. The contract between Local 743 and the university expires on March 1. Rank-and-file activists are circulating a petition calling for increased job security, fair treatment from managers, and a raise above the cost of living. “We usually get a three percent annual raise,” said Joe Sexauer, a Local 743 clerical at the...
Re-employment Rules Still Unfair
February 27, 2007: While most Teamster pension plans have some type of “re-employment rule” that prohibits retirees from drawing a pension while performing certain work, the biggest problems with the rule have been with the Central States Pension Fund. Despite a successful struggle to improve the rule, problems still exist. Recently the fund trustees went after a Teamster retiree in Ohio who was working driving used cars—not on a truck, just driving used cars to...
UPS Unveils New Technology to Spy on Drivers
February 27, 2007: UPS is preparing to implement new technology that will monitor drivers like never before. With their new gadgets, the company won’t have to send a supervisor on your route to spy on your methods. Their new technology amounts to an electronic OJS. As part of early bargaining, our Teamster negotiators have proposed strong language to protect drivers from discipline resulting from the new technology. Winning this new language is a must. The...
Joining Forces to Make UPS Deliver
February 27, 2007: Teamsters at UPS are building a national rank-and-file network to share information and unite members to Make UPS Deliver the contract we deserve. You can help. Visit www.MakeUPSDeliver.org Sign up for email updates. You can also register to post comments and swap opinions with other UPS Teamsters. Spread the Word Post and pass out contract updates where you work. Contact us and let us know you can be part of the Make...
Parcel Workers Association: Not the Right Course
February 27, 2007: A group of UPS workers, with encouragement from management, is attempting to oust the Teamsters Union on a national scale. This outfit, the American Parcel Workers Association, is a wrong turn down a blind alley for Teamsters who want positive change. The APWA leaders spread UPS corporate propaganda on our pensions. Check www.MakeUPSDeliver.org for the facts on this matter. The APWA advocates an anti-union “right to work state” posture, insisting that UPS...
Investment Expert Analyzes US/Mexico Border Opening
February 26, 2007: In this report, Stephens Inc., an investment banking firm, looks at the effect the Bush administration's new policy on Mexico-domiciled trucks will have on truckload carriers in the US. Read the report.
Central States Puts Stock in Wal-Mart
February 27, 2007: The Central States Pension Fund has invested $54 million in Wal-Mart, a notorious union-buster. According to financial documents released by Central States, the fund owns $34.8 million in Wal-Mart stock and another $10.9 million in Wal-Mart bonds. Since Central States invested in Wal-Mart, the fund has lost over $1.8 million on the stocks and $1 million on the bonds. Central States also owns $8.8 million in Wal-Mart de Mexico. This stock has...
Fighting Work Performance Harassment and Discipline
Teamster employers have many ways to wring greater production out of workers. United Parcel Service and grocery warehousing both have high levels of productivity demands. Many of these suggestions for dealing with production harassment will apply to any workplace. 1. Beef up contract enforcement overall. Production harassment can flourish when management is given free rein. Members may feel they have to give in to pressure because the union is weak. An ongoing campaign of contract...