February 6, 2008

(Washington, D.C.) – An overwhelming majority of about 100 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in Charlotte, North Carolina and in Spokane, Washington have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 4,100 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.

The workers are seeking to join Local Unions 71 and 690.

“We’re pleased that the UPS Freight workers in Charlotte were receptive and eager to join the Teamsters—they were chomping at the bit to sign cards these past several months while the campaign details were being planned,” said Ted Russell, President of Local 71 in Charlotte.

“The drivers out here in Spokane have been asking us for months when they can organize, and that time has come,” said Val Holstrom, President of Local 690 in Spokane. “Our Principal Officer, Secretary-Treasurer Justin ‘Buck' Holliday, has stayed in constant contact with the workers. The workers are looking forward to getting a strong and fair contract that improves their lives and working conditions.”

 “We know that many UPS Freight workers are waiting to sign cards and get the ball rolling, and we appreciate their patience. This campaign is moving ahead quickly and everyone will get a chance soon to win a more secure future as Teamsters,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division.

In addition to the Charlotte and Spokane workers, UPS Freight workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Atlanta, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, 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.