January 5, 2007: The Teamsters Union is about to launch an organizing drive at UPS Freight, which all Teamsters should support and help as much as we can.

Just as important, all Teamsters should support negotiating an industry-leading contract.

The question is will the UPS Freight contract set the same standards as the National Master Freight Agreement, or will it be substandard?

Although it will be a freight contract, and for the most part freight locals will do the organizing, Ken Hall of the Parcel Division will head the bargaining. On a conference call with local unions, Hall stated that the UPS Freight contract at the Indianapolis terminal will be the “template” for the national contract he wants to negotiate.

Many officers and members want to aim higher. On that same call a number of officers said they wanted to bargain to get Teamster pensions and benefits into the contract. Many in the Freight Division are concerned about any contract that could undercut the NMFA.

We believe that with a strong organizing drive, our union can have solid bargaining strength at UPS Freight, and certainly enough clout to win a better contract. Teamster locals and members should support the organizing drive, and also unite behind winning a contract that is up to Teamster standards.