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October 17, 2006 The Teamsters National UPS Negotiating Committee exchanged non-economic contract proposals with company negotiators Tuesday, October 10 in Washington, D.C. during the second day of contract talks. The non-economic issues address safety and health, working conditions, subcontracting, the company’s use of technology and other areas. Both sides will now review each other’s proposals and discuss the issues during a future meeting. However, before the non-economic issues are negotiated, the Teamsters Union wants to first negotiate pensions and health care, which members have identified—in a survey and scientific poll—as the top priorities. “Pensions and health care are our most critical issues,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Parcel and Small Package Division. “We will protect our members’ pensions and health care and then move on to these other important issues. The company needs to show us it is serious about protecting our members’ futures. We will not accept any proposals that put our members’ security at risk.” Union Is Focused “We are very, very serious about negotiating pension and health care issues early,” Hall said. “We plan to hold meetings in the coming weeks with representatives of the relevant benefit funds to prepare proposals which address our members’ goals. Our members need to know as soon as possible that they and their families will remain secure while working at UPS and after they retire.” Meanwhile, local unions have begun the negotiation process for supplements, riders and addendums—the agreements that address local issues. Hall and General President Jim Hoffa have appointed Denis Taylor, President of Local 355 in Baltimore, to coordinate the renegotiating of the local agreements. The current national contract covers about 215,000 Teamsters at UPS. It expires August 1, 2008. Union leaders will meet with company officials to draft a schedule of upcoming meetings. Once meeting dates have been determined, information about the meetings will be posted on the Teamsters web site.
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