March 19, 2014: The third time’s the charm for UPS management, the Hoffa-Hall leadership, and the Ohio UPS Rider. After being rejected by 55% of UPS Teamsters last October, it was approved by a narrow 52% majority in votes counted today.

In the nine months since the first rejection last June, members saw no help from Hoffa-Hall in terms of improvements to the rider. They can’t seem to do a thing for members, but they could wear down the members to tip the balance to a majority Yes. Does that count as good union leadership?

No. It’s taking members’ dues money and using it to be management’s sales team.

Two of the three largest Ohio locals voted No for a third time: Cincinnati Local 100 (4-1 No) and Columbus Local 413 (2-1 No), so did Dayton Local 957, Lima Local 908, and Zanesville Local 637. 

The rider passed because Cleveland Local 407 full-timers are covered by Teamcare, and thus not facing benefit cuts. It passed by 7-1 in Cleveland.

The local by local votes are available here.

Ohio Teamsters are mad about health care cuts. Despite the benefit enhancements, which were won by the Vote No movement after so many supplements were rejected, Teamsters transferring into Teamcare will still face some benefit reductions. In addition, the Rider failed to win any guaranteed number of full-time jobs or make any improvements to protect against harassment or strengthen 9.5 language for drivers.

Western Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Louisville

Hoffa-Hall took a vote in Ohio, after doing nothing for all this time, because it was close last time. They know that tactic will not work in Western Pennsylvania or Philadelphia, where the rejection votes were overwhelming.

Ballots for the Louisville Air Rider will be mailed out on March 21. There is no doubt the 9,000 Teamsters covered will say No, loud and clear. The issues are laid out well on the Local 89 website.  

The struggle continues, on the contract and beyond that, to change the direction of our union to one that fights for the members, not against them.