After making steady progress on issues related to working conditions, the Teamsters National UPS Negotiating Committee began bargaining economic issues the week of March 19.

An aggressive schedule was set for the committee, and a decision was made not to schedule talks past March 31. This decision was based on the reasoning that by the end of March, the committee would be able to determine whether UPS was serious about discussing solutions to members’ concerns about pensions and health and welfare benefits.

The negotiations opened with discussions about the economic issues of greatest concern to members, and in the meantime, meetings were held with the relevant pension and health and welfare funds. While waiting for the funds to compile the necessary data, the committee set out to resolve non-economic issues concerning working conditions.

“At this point, we have come to agreement on several issues, though we still have not fully resolved our members’ concerns about non-economic issues such as excessive overtime or subcontracting,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Parcel and Small Package Division.

Ultimately, after having received an unprecedented amount of information from the relevant health, welfare and pension funds, the committee was able to put forth a package of economic proposals to the company. 

“There still remain non-economic issues we’re apart on, but we put economics on the table because we received the information we needed from the funds,” Hall said. “Our members made it clear in surveys that pensions and health care are their top priorities.  With the new pension legislation looming, we’ve put forth proposals for record increases. We are taking on the fight to protect members’ pension and health care benefits.”

Following talks the week of March19, a decision was made to schedule future talks with the company in May. “The committee has determined that at this point, an early agreement with UPS is still within reach,” said Hall.

All Views Important

The union’s national committee members represent different areas of the country with different issues.

“Our committee is doing a great job providing input on behalf of their members,” Hall said.

Protecting pensions is especially challenging in light of so many pensions being lost and terminated at companies around the country.

“We must remain united so we can take on the fight for all members’ retirement security,” Hall said.

In coming weeks, the committee will continue to analyze data and develop the best solutions to protect pensions and health care. In the meantime, for the month of April, national committee members will focus on the many supplemental agreements.

“The supplements, riders and addendums include very important issues, such as local working conditions and bidding procedures,” said Denis Taylor, President of Local 355 in Baltimore, who was appointed to coordinate the supplement negotiations. “We are dedicating our time to address these issues.”