July 21, 2009: The Local 804 Members United Slate is running to restore the pride and power in New York Teamsters Local 804 the home of Ron Carey and one of the largest and most powerful UPS locals in the country.

Tim Sylvester, 804 Members United Slate presidential candidate, talks with Local 804 Teamsters at UPSIn the last two years, Local 804 members have been hit with pension cuts, healthcare hikes and a concessionary contract—all while UPS was making record profits.

The Local 804 Members United Slate is running to move their union in a new direction.

“Local 804 used to stand up to UPS management, bargain strong contracts and protect our benefits. We can be that kind of union again,” said Tim Sylvester, a Local 804 shop steward and the presidential candidate on the 804 Members United Slate.

Ballots won’t go out in Local 804 until November, but candidates are already out on the campaign trail.

In the first two weeks of the campaign, slate members hit the gates at UPS hubs from Long Island to New York City to the suburbs up north to talk to members. The slate has also launched an online survey to hear from members about their concerns.

“We will run a positive campaign on the issues,” said Pete Mastrandrea, a feeder driver and the 804 Members United Slate’s candidate for Vice President.

“We’re going to lay out a positive program for what we’re going to do to beef up representation and contract enforcement and rebuild Local 804’s power,” Mastrandrea said.