January 28, 2008

(Hempstead, NY) – An overwhelming majority of about 300 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in Farmingdale and Newburgh, in New York state, have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to about 2,800 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.

The Farmingdale and Newburgh workers are seeking to join Local 707 in Hempstead.

“This is a momentous occasion for the UPS Freight workers and Local 707,” said Kevin McCaffrey, President of Local 707. “Many of these workers have been involved in the struggle to gain union representation for more than 10 years. Every Teamster and especially our newest UPS Freight Teamsters should thank these courageous men and women who stood up for their right for Teamster representation.”

“I want to thank the Newburgh and Farmingdale workers for staying united and focused on their goals,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division. “They soon will be able to negotiate a Teamster contract.”

In addition to the New York state workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Southern California, Oakland, Seattle, New England, Memphis and Detroit have submitted cards to become Teamsters.

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