March 7, 2014: UPS has put 250 drivers in New York on notice of termination for standing up to harassment and unfair discipline.
In response, elected officials and labor-community supporters are rallying behind the drivers. Political leaders are contacting UPS and a online support petition has been launched by community supporters.
Click here to sign the online petition to support Local 804 members who face termination.
On Feb. 26, UPS fired a package driver and long-time union activist and denied him his “Innocent Until Proven Guilty” rights under the Union contract.
It was the final straw for UPS drivers in Maspeth, Queens who are fed up with 12-hour days, relentless harassment, an epidemic of workplace injuries and a company that walks all over the contract and grievance procedure.
Teamster drivers walked off the job in protest. They returned to work after sending their message. Packages were delivered, the customers were serviced.
Local 804, which represents the drivers, sat down with the company to try to resolve the dispute and address the underlying problems.
Instead of reaching an agreement, the company retaliated against the 250 drivers and put all of them on notice of termination. The drivers remain on the job, but management claims it has the right to fire them at any time. The local is continuing to try to reach a negotiated solution.
Teamsters everywhere stand in solidarity with the drivers in Maspeth.
Click here to sign the online petition to support Local 804 members who face termination.
For more information and to show your support, go to www.Teamsterslocal804.org