Philadelphia Teamsters for a Democratic Union is a worker-led, grassroots organization that mobilizes for workplace justice, living wages, and a strong, democratic union.
We're organizing rank-and-file Teamsters to fight for higher wages, build power on the job, and win new leadership and a new direction for our union.
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UPenn Teamsters Defeat Two-Tier Pay
Local 115 members at the University of Pennsylvania are celebrating a contract victory that eliminates two-tier pay for housekeepers over the resistance of their own union officials.
The key was a rank-and-file contract campaign organized by Local 115 members with the support of TDU.
Solidarity with Amazon Workers in Alabama
UPS Teamsters stand with Amazon workers in Bessemer Alabama as they vote on their union election.
Philly Unions Call for a Citywide Essential Worker Bill of Rights During the Coronavirus Pandemic
"Officials representing more than 30 union locals and worker groups called Monday for Mayor Jim Kenney to make testing available for all essential workers and prevent employers from firing employees who stay home if they feel sick. The effort, led by UPS workers’ Teamsters Local 623 and the worker group One Pennsylvania, is the first attempt at uniting the city’s labor movement to get better protection for workers during the pandemic."
UPS Teamsters Know Split Wages, Split Unions!
At 6:30 AM near Front and Oregon Avenue Philly Teamsters gathered around a 15 foot tall inflatable that the Union calls "Concessions the Cat." Teamsters are protesting a new policy at UPS that will raise the wages of newly hired temporary workers at one facility without providing raises to any other workers. "Split wages, split unions!" shouted Business Agent Tom "Tiny" Callan alongside UPS tractor-trailer drivers, package car drivers, and warehouse workers.
Online Shopping is Crushing Warehouse Workers During the Pandemic
Shipping company and Postal Service workers are putting in serious overtime to deliver packages this holiday, but in the process risk exposing themselves to COVID-19. Click here to read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
UPS WORKERS ORGANIZE TO PROTECT OURSELVES AND THE PUBLIC FROM COVID-19
Unity Wins for Metro-Philadelphia UPS Workers
UPS workers in Lawnside, NJ have won PPE and improved conditions for hub workers by sticking together to stand up to management.
UPS Workers Say Company Not Prioritizing Safety as Workers Test Positive
Philadelphia Local 623 Principal Officer Richard Hooker and TDU Organizer David Levin spoke out on Democracy Now on UPS and Amazon workers fighting for health and safety protections from COVID-19.
Concerned Delivery Drivers Busier Than Ever During Coronavirus Crisis
With more Americans staying at home, delivery drivers are in high demand and many are worried about their health and safety. Major delivery companies have updated their policies in response to the coronavirus crisis. NBC News’ Morgan Chesky has advice on how to protect yourself when receiving pack...
"No soap. No hand sanitizer. No cleanliness at all. But, they're telling us, we're essential."
— Local 623 Principal Officer Richard Hooker to NBC Nightly News on the unsanitary conditions at UPS in Philadelphia where the Teamsters are demanding action NOW to protect workers and the public.
CAMPAIGN VICTORIES
UPSers Elect Vote No Activist to Lead Philadelphia Local 623
Teamsters in Philadelphia Local 623 have overwhelmingly elected Richard Hooker and the #623LivesMatter slate. In a four-way race, Hooker beat the incumbent 547-346. That's a 61% to 39% margin. Read the full report from the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Philadelphia UPSers Win a Voice in Contract Negotiations
Fed up with information brownouts and contract givebacks, UPS Teamsters in Philadelphia voted for sweeping reforms in the Local 623 bylaws to give members more power in contract negotiations.
WHAT WE DO…
UPS Teamsters United Campaign
Philadelphia TDU activists mobilize UPS Teamsters to fight for living wages and to enforce our rights on the job. More than 57 percent of UPSers in Philadelphia Voted No to reject contract givebacks.
Fight for Economic Justice
TDU members fight for economic justice—from defending affordable healthcare to opposing pension cuts and contract givebacks. Philadelphia UPSers overwhelmingly Voted No to reject healthcare cuts at UPS.
Education for Worker Power
Philadelphia TDU workshops and organizer trainings bring members together to share strategies for beating apathy and enforcing our rights.
Reforming Our Union
TDU helps members take on union officials who stand with the employers, instead of the members. We proudly support the O'Brien-Zuckerman Teamsters United Slate for new leadership and a new direction in the Teamsters.
TDU Black Caucus
Members of the TDU Black Caucus work together to build a union that fights for all Teamsters. We bring together African Americans to share strategies and empower ourselves union activists, organizers, and leaders.
Social & Economic Justice
The labor movement is about fighting for all working people. That’s why we team up with the Fight for 15, Medicare for All, and other campaigns for economic and social justice.