Teamsters Local 89

Talks have concluded in the latest round of UPS Air Supplement negotiations. Throughout meetings in January with the company, your negotiating committee has remained steadfast in its resolve to reach an agreement worthy of the approval of the membership.

However, the company has failed to show its commitment to moving negotiations forward in any meaningful way. Not only has UPS squandered hours of valuable negotiating time, they have openly acknowledged the company is “not interested” in the vast majority of the union’s member-submitted proposals. Furthermore, UPS has exhibited very little movement on the key issues it has been willing to “discuss”.

The committee will continue to work on your behalf regardless of UPS’s unfortunate lack of dedication in reaching an agreement with the employees who have made it one of the most profitable and successful companies in the world.

The following are just a few of the key issues which the Local 89 Negotiating Committee continues to fight for on your behalf:

UPS: “Not Interested” In Full-Time Opportunities

It has always been a priority of Local 89 to pursue the creation and maintenance of full-time positions in the UPS Air District. Through your many years of hard work, you have earned the right to a job with better hours and wages in order to provide for you and your family. Sadly, the company has stated in negotiations it is “not interested” in creating any additional full-time jobs.

UPS Should Commit To Fixing Problems with Shuttles and Parking

Air District workers juggle multiple obligations such as school, family and other employment.   For most of us, there are not enough hours in the day for all of our responsibilities. Despite a need to meet our obligations away from the Air District, we spend valuable hours every week riding a terribly inefficient shuttle system.

UPS has not offered any real solution to this problem. Currently, the company is forcing you to subsidize, with your unpaid time, its lack of investment in an efficient shuttle system. Your time off is yours and it is valuable.

UPS Should Invest In a Safer Workplace

While Air District Teamsters are diligent in their commitment to both the safety of themselves and their fellow workers, we can never give up our pursuit of a safer UPS Worldport. No matter where you work within the Air District, there are any number of hazards which could result in life-altering accidents.

We expect UPS to invest in the safety of its employees by ensuring all equipment is in proper-working order. The Local 89 Negotiating Committee feels this investment will serve to help workers perform their duties more safely and efficiently. In addition, UPS should commit to the prevention of illness or injury related to extreme temperatures. Further, the committee believes UPS should provide on-site professionals to respond when incidents arise from hazardous conditions.

Unfortunately, UPS is “not interested” in coming to an agreement which will guard against injury, as well as provide a safer workplace. As a UPS worker, you deserve a commitment from your employer to implement all measures necessary to ensure the health and safety of its workforce.

UPS Needs To Work With Your Union To Create A Better Transfer System

Throughout the early stages of negotiations, there has been an on-going theme of “flexibility” in the company’s positions. However, the flexibility UPS is seeking seems to apply solely to circumstances which tend to only benefit UPS. Many of us are perpetually stuck in jobs without any movement through transfers. Workers need the means by which to check on awarded positions to ensure there are no violations of seniority.   Further, part-time employees need a more defined system so they may better apply for transfers (without the need to reject an offer which does not fit their schedule).

The company has shown reluctance in creating a more streamlined and efficient system for Air District part-timers which would address these particular issues. The committee continues to believe a more efficient process would be mutually beneficial to the company and its employees. Through this more stream-lined process, UPS will benefit from a shortened “turn-around” in filling positions while allowing employees to move to their preferred job quicker and easier.

The next round of Air Supplement negotiations is scheduled for mid-February. While the prior meetings with UPS have proved less-than-productive, the Local 89 Negotiating Committee has worked tirelessly to respond to the company’s proposals and counter-proposals. The committee will remain dedicated and mindful of the needs of Air District Teamsters throughout future negotiations regardless of the company’s apparent unwillingness to reach an early agreement.