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Workers Share Contract Priorities August 31, 2006 On August 29, rank-and-file UPS Teamsters provided valuable insight during a meeting in preparation of the upcoming contract negotiations with UPS. The 17 rank-and-file members from across the country, representing full-time and part-time workers from a variety of job classifications, talked about pressing issues with Parcel and Small Package Division Director Ken Hall and other staff members from the International Union. “We’re going to use your comments as a guide in the negotiations,” Hall told the group. The contract negotiations begin September 19. UPS has agreed to the union’s demand to begin national contract negotiations early. The national UPS contract expires on August 1, 2008. As expected, the rank-and-file members said protecting pensions and health care for retirees and current workers are the top priorities. In a recent survey of Teamster members at UPS, 89 percent of those surveyed urged the union to pursue early contract negotiations so that members’ pensions and health care will be protected in the future. The poll results reflected an earlier scientific survey of UPS Teamsters. “Pensions are the number one priority of my coworkers,” said Bruce Self, a marshaller at UPS Worldport hub in Louisville, Kentucky and member of Local 89 in that city. The members also discussed many other issues, including safety and health, job security and rights on the job. “I’m trying to look out for the part-timers, especially the inside people,” said Linda Hunt, a part-time combination air driver and member of Local 326 in New Castle, Delaware. Hunt would like to see higher starting pay for part-time workers and improved safety conditions. “I’m happy to be here to share my coworkers’ concerns,” Hunt said. “The International Union is doing a good job listening to the rank-and-file membership so that our voices are heard.” “The Teamsters value the ideas and comments of our members,” Hall said. “This meeting was a great opportunity for the union to discuss what issues matter most to members.” |
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