UPS Freight: Second Class Teamsters?

August 30, 2012: In 2008, when we got our first contract, the International Union told us that it was a "foot in the door" and real gains would come next time.

Now it's next time.

UPS Freight Teamsters can win parity and plug the holes in our contract, if we unify and say NO to any substandard contract.

Dan Campbell, a retired experienced Teamster officer who was on the 1997 National Negotiating Committee for UPS, when the Teamsters decisively won a three-week strike, points out that some parts of the UPS national contract provide a template to use.

"The union chair, Ken Hall, is the same for both contracts. Many of the union negotiating committee members are the same, also. They know the UPS contract, and that there are many clauses that can be used as models for UPS Freight.

"The operations are different of course, but there are many areas to copy. Benefit levels, wage improvements, subcontracting language, as well as language on such things as excessive overtime, and the union's right to information."

When the Teamsters asked UPS Freight workers to join the union, the slogan was "One company, one union." It's a good principle.


The communications hub for UPS Freight Teamsters who want to share information, build rank and file unity, and win a better contract.

Click here to check it out. Get on the list for updates.

Get Advice Join TDU Donate

Recent News

Webinar: Enforcing Heat Safety Rights at UPS

UPS Teamsters won new contract language protecting our right to work safely when temperatures rise. Register now for an online workshop on Sunday, June 1 to learn about heat safety rights under Article 18 of the contract and how to enforce them.

NJ Transit Engineers Are Ready to Strike

Rail Teamsters who work as Transit Locomotive Engineers at New Jersey Transit are preparing to strike if the carrier fails to deliver a fair contract by May 16. The engineers voted down a tentative agreement last month, with 87 percent voting no.

View More News Posts