UPS is implementing Tuesday to Saturday work schedules for package drivers in test markets across the country. What do the contract and IBT have to say? Teamsters are looking for answers.
Photo: Elvert Barnes, Flickr Creative Commons
In a major operational shake-up, UPS is implementing Tuesday to Saturday work schedules.
The company plans to reach half of all U.S. residents with Saturday ground deliveries this year.
Many package drivers may be forced to work weekends. Members who deliver air on Saturdays may lose overtime opportunities. Lower ground volume on Mondays could lead to UPS splitting up routes.
UPS negotiated contract language allowing “alternative schedules” years ago.
The language is in regional supplements, not the national agreement—and every supplement is a little different.
Some supplements allow the company to schedule drivers “any five consecutive days.”
Other supplements only allow Monday to Friday and Tuesday to Saturday schedules.
In the Western Region Supplement, only “Employees with a seniority date of August 1, 2011 or after can be forced to a Tuesday to Saturday work week.” (Article 20 Section 2 and Section 3.)
Most supplements don’t have that protection.
The Local 996 Supplement covering Hawaii is the only agreement that does not allow any Tuesday to Saturday schedule. It requires overtime pay for all Saturday work.