WASHINGTON, D.C. — As contract negotiations between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and United Parcel Service (UPS) reach a critical stage, thousands of Teamsters rallied for a strong contract at UPS facilities across the nation, the union announced in a press release. More than 200 locations participated in the Teamsters “Day of Action,” with major rallies in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Louisville, Oakland, Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and 20 other cities.
The National Negotiating Committee, which is currently holding bargaining sessions in the nation’s capital, rallied at the UPS facility near Dulles Airport.
“Your hard work has made this company the success it is today,” Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa told more than 300 UPS Teamsters attending the early morning rally. “The company said that they wanted an early contract — but they didn’t act like it at the bargaining table. But now they are taking us seriously. Your strike vote, and your support of your negotiating committee on this Day of Action have sent a strong message.”
Teamsters at UPS overwhelmingly approved a strike authorization vote on May 18 and 19 by a 93% – 7% margin.
The “Day of Action” is part of the union’s member-based contract campaign and kicks off a one-week national petition drive to build momentum as contract talks intensify. The petition states: “We, the undersigned Teamsters at UPS, stand together in our support of our National Negotiating Committee. We are united in our determination to do ‘whatever it takes’ to secure a strong contract that reflects the success of UPS over the past five years. We demand a contract that expands full-time job opportunities, preserves Teamster jobs, provides good wages and pensions, and maintains health benefits. In short, we expect a contract that rewards our contribution to UPS’ record growth and profits.”
“By signing these petitions, you are letting your negotiating committee know that you support their efforts to win a strong contract,” Hoffa continued. “And by signing this petition, you are showing UPS that the Teamsters Union is united and we will fight for the contract we deserve.”
Daily contract campaign updates can be found at http://www.trakups.org .
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 230,000 hardworking men and women at United Parcel Service. More than 210,000 of those members are represented under the national agreement that expires on July 31st.