February 2, 2012: UPS wants early contract negotiations. But what will the company give up in return?
UPS is reportedly interested in early contract negotiations—and why wouldn’t they be?
It’s a good time for any corporation to be at the bargaining table. The economy is down and unions are on the defensive.
“Ken Hall told the Teamster Convention there would be no early negotiations unless the economy turns around,” said Steve Kelly, a UPS driver steward and one of Washington Local 252’s delegates to the Teamster Convention.
“That makes sense to me.”
Use Our Leverage
UPS has the added incentive of wanting to settle the contract early so they can ensure shippers there will be no disruption of service because of a strike or contract dispute.
The threat of losing business to FedEx is real, but it also gives our union leverage.
If UPS wants early negotiations, the company should have to deliver something in return.
“UPS was making record profits during the last negotiations and Hoffa and Hall gave them concessions. We shouldn’t make the same mistake,” Kelly said.
Other UPSers point out that early negotiations benefit the company. They say our union shouldn’t agree to early talks without getting something big in return.
Respect Our Contract
I want to see the contract we have respected before we talk about a new one,” said David Thornsberry, a shop steward from Louisville Local 89.
“UPS promised to fill 22.3 jobs, create more driving jobs, and stop production harassment and 9.5 violations. The IBT needs to make UPS live up to these agreements before we start negotiating any new deal,” Thornsberry said.
TDU’s Make UPS Deliver network unites stewards and other UPS Teamsters who want to mobilize for a good contract—whenever negotiations begin.
“Last time, our voices weren’t heard,” said Kelly, “We can’t let that happen again.”
“Ken Hall told the Teamster Convention there would be no early negotiations unless the economy turns around. That makes sense to me.
“UPS was making record profits during the last negotiations and Hoffa and Hall gave them concessions. Last time, our voices weren’t heard. We can’t let that happen again.”
Steve Kelly, Package Car
Local 252 Steward, Tumwater, Wash.
“I want to see the contract we have respected before we talk about a new one. UPS promised to fill 22.3 jobs, create more driving jobs, and stop production harassment and 9.5 violations.
“The IBT needs to make UPS live up to these agreements—before we start negotiating any new deal.”
David Thornsberry, Package Car
Local 89 Steward, Louisville, Ky.