UPDATED April 19, 2013: The International Union will resume contract negotiations with UPS on April 22 with the goal of reaching a deal on a proposed new contract by the end of the week. Economic issues, including healthcare, remain on the table.

The IBT and UPS have reached tentative agreements on a number of language issues, including 9.5 protections from excessive overtime.

Members have been promised that the new 9.5 language will:

• Make it easier for drivers to get on the 9.5 list. Drivers will no longer have to work over 9.5 hours three times in a week before they qualify to get on the 9.5 list.
   
• Protect drivers on the 9.5 list from the being over-dispatched twice a week as long as they're kept under 9.5 three days a week.
   
• Require management to adjust drivers' loads and not just pay penalty pay when 9.5 violations are ongoing.
   
• Create escalating penalties for repeat violations including making UPS create additional driving jobs when there are repeat violations.
   
• Include stronger 9.5 rights for cover drivers.

Teamster members and the Make UPS Deliver campaign have been pushing for these and other language improvements.

Every UPS Teamster will have the chance to review the proposed changes when a tentative agreement is reached to see for themselves if we've won clear, enforceable language protections.