January 24, 2008

(Washington, D.C.) – An overwhelming majority of about 160 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in Milwaukee and in Minneapolis have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to nearly 2,200 since last week, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.

“The Milwaukee and Minneapolis workers have joined their brothers and sisters across the country in seeking to win the protections provided in a Teamster contract,” Hoffa said.

The Milwaukee workers are seeking to join Local 200 in that city. The Minneapolis-area workers are employed at a terminal in Blaine, Minnesota, and are seeking to join Local 120 in St. Paul.

“Most of the workers here in Milwaukee have worked for UPS Freight and its predecessor, Overnite, for a long time. They have been involved in the struggle to become Teamsters for many years, and soon their goal will be realized,” said Tom Millonzi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 200.

“I am proud of the workers for seeing the value of joining the Teamsters. As Teamsters, they will be able to negotiate a strong contract that will protect them and their families now and into the future,” said Brad Slawson Sr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 120.

In addition to the workers in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, a majority of workers in Southern California, Oakland, Seattle, New England, Memphis and Detroit have submitted cards to become Teamsters.

“With each new worker victory, I continue to hear about more workers seeking a brighter future as Teamsters,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division. “We won’t stop until all UPS Freight workers have a chance to fight for a more secure future for themselves and for their families.”

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