BREAKING UPDATE: UPS has agreed to reinstate the employees that were illegally laid off in retaliation for organizing with the Teamsters. The reinstatement victory avoids peak season strike action that loomed on Monday. All affected workers will receive full back pay and return to their positions on their next scheduled workdays.
UPS Teamsters in Louisville may strike on Monday according to a statement released by General President Sean O’Brien. The Teamster response came one day after UPS laid off specialist and administrative workers in retaliation for organizing with the Teamsters. UPS also faces possible strike action in Chicago and Rhode Island.
More than 1,100 Teamsters at DHL began an unfair labor practices strike at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport (CVG) on Thursday with picket line extensions to other cities expected on Friday.
Now, UPS is risking similar disruptions to its peak season operations. UPS employs some 15,000 UPS Teamsters in Louisville.
UPS also faces unfair labor practice charges and possible strike action in Chicago where the company laid off workers in retaliation for organizing with Teamsters Local 705.
"UPS Teamsters are busting their ass to deliver for customers during the holiday peak season. If the company wants that to grind to a halt in Chicago, that's their choice," said Local 705 Secretary Treasurer Juan Campos.
In Rhode Island, Teamsters Local 251 has demanded union recognition for specialists who have unanimously signed cards to join the Teamsters.
"UPS can either respect workers' rights to join the Teamsters through a card check process or we will strike for recognition," said Secretary-Treasurer Matt Taibi.
The contract gives UPS Teamsters the right to honor primary picket lines. If a picket line goes up in Louisville, Chicago, and Rhode Island, the company and its customers can expect work to stop.
Join UPS Teamsters and General President Sean O'Brien on a UPS Teamsters United webinar this Sunday on "Moving from Contract Campaign to Contract Enforcement." Click here to register.