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Union, Company Prepare to Tackle Economic Items June 25, 2007 The Teamsters' UPS Freight Negotiating Committee met with UPS from June 18-20 and agreement was reached on nearly a dozen additional articles relating to non-economic working conditions. The contract talks for the 125 drivers and dockworkers represented by Local Union 135 in Indianapolis, Indiana were held in Richmond, Virginia. "We've been focused these past sessions on negotiating language for the Indianapolis UPS Freight workers that will improve their day-to-day working conditions, and give them the voice on the job to ensure that the company treats them fairly," said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Parcel and Small Package Division and co-chairman of the committee. "During this latest round of talks we reached tentative agreement on many contract articles, and we're now ready to start discussions on economic items such as wages, and pension and health care benefits." Brian Buhle, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 135 was also pleased with the steady progress of the negotiations. "I look forward to meeting with our UPS Freight members to prepare them for the next round in bargaining," Buhle said. "Due to the fact that we've been negotiating a stand-alone contract, this process has been an extended one. I know our members will be happy to hear that we will soon be moving on to dollars and cents." Freight and UPS Teamsters, in addition to the 15,000 UPS Freight workers at nearly 300 terminals throughout the country, have been avidly following the talks. "Everyone knows it would be a historic moment to achieve a strong contract for a group of former Overnite workers. Based on the work we've accomplished thus far, I believe that we can reach such an agreement," said Gordon Sweeton, Assistant Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division who also serves as co-chairman of the committee. The union intends for the Indianapolis agreement to serve as a model contract, one that will answer the questions the remaining UPS Freight workers around the country have about joining the Teamsters. The next round of talks is scheduled the week of July 23 in Indianapolis. |
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