March 26, 2010: Hoffa and Hall told UPS shop stewards via conference call to “be ready” for a push to win passage of a law that will make it easier for FedEx workers to join our union.
As previously reported by TDU, the Teamsters Union and UPS have backed a bill that would close a loophole that makes FedEx the only parcel company in the U.S. that is covered by the Railway Labor Act—a labor law that makes it harder for workers to organize.
Employees are paying the price for the FedEx loophole. FedEx workers are paid less per hour than comparable UPS Teamsters—and FedEx contributes much less an hour toward their benefits.
Leveling the playing field will make it easier for FedEx workers to get the pay and benefits they deserve. It will also protect UPS Teamsters in contract negotiations where the company always points to the lower wages and benefits paid by the nonunion competition.
The Teamster-backed language was passed by the House as part of much broader legislation—the FAA Reauthorization Act. But the Senate version of the bill left out the language. The differences will now be worked out in conference.
Our union needs to step up the grassroots pressure on politicians to pass this important legislation. Teamster members need to be ready to do our part.