A Majority of Drivers, Dockworkers Sign Cards To Join Teamsters Local 667 

January 17, 2008

(Memphis, TN) – A majority of the 411 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminal in Memphis have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the number of workers seeking union representation to more than 700, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.

“UPS Freight workers’ quest for a strong voice on the job continues to roll—first it was New England, and now the Memphis workers have spoken,” Hoffa said.

The cards will be sent to a neutral arbitrator, paving the way for the company to officially recognize the workers, a process that is expected to take place within a week. When the process is complete, the workers will join Local 667 in Memphis.

 “The UPS Freight workers in Memphis have been long-time supporters of the Teamsters, and everyone is very excited that this day has come,” said Henry Perry, Teamsters Local 667 President and International Trustee. “We will provide these workers with the best representation so that they finally have a strong voice on the job.”

 “I feel like Green Bay Packers Quarterback Brett Favre right now—getting ready to go to the big dance,” said dockworker Jay Irvin, a nine-year employee. “I feel like I’m on my way to the Super Bowl.”

On Wednesday, January 16, the union announced that 315 UPS Freight workers at seven locations in New England took a similar step to become Teamsters.

“The UPS Freight campaign is off to a strong start, and we will not let up until we help thousands more workers win the respect they deserve as Teamsters,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Parcel and Small Package Division.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.