In 2023, Teamsters negotiated the historic UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement, protecting 340,000 rank-and-file members. For the first time, this contract with UPS included explicit heat-safety protections and requirements for air conditioning to be installed in delivery vehicles.

“The 2023 contract completely overhauled heat protections. For the first time, heat safety is a real priority, and it’s making a difference,” said Karla Schumann, Teamsters International Western Region Vice President. Through consistent and robust contract enforcement and by continuing to make heat protections a priority, the Teamsters are committed to get case numbers down to zero. But as the union prepares to launch another national contract campaign in Fall 2027, is UPS management just as committed to worker safety?

For more information on the heat-related provisions of the 2023 agreement, from package cars to cool-down stations and available water and ice in UPS facilities, follow the link below:

Heat safety protections

Are you staying home for the Labor Day Weekend? If so, and you’re looking for some local activities to enjoy, here’s one to consider: In cooperation with the City of York, the York Adams County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is sponsoring a fishing Derby on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026, at Kiwanis Lake in York, Pa. Kiwanis Lake is located at 500 Parkway Blvd, York, PA 17404. Full details can be found below:

There's always plenty of smiles to go along with the trophies the kids receive!

Truck drivers represented by Teamsters Local 500 went on strike at Q-Trucking (Quaker Valley Foods) in Northeast Philadelphia. The strike at Quaker Valley Foods, 2701 Red Lion Road, began in early August 2026 and remains active, with approximately 70 workers maintaining an around-the-clock picket line at the Northeast Philadelphia warehouse. The Quaker Valley Foods warehouse workers are honoring the drivers’ picket line.

The primary demand from the striking workers centers on securing a reliable pension. Other local Unions, including leadership from Teamsters Local 830 and Local 776, have formally joined the picket lines to show support for the striking workers. The Teamsters organization is framing this fight against corporate greed, citing high executive payouts elsewhere to justify why regional food distribution centers can afford worker pensions.

Outside carriers continue attempting to cross the Teamsters Local 500 picket line at Quaker Valley Foods. A FedEx contractor attempted to cross the line and was turned away. Later, that same driver returned along with two additional outside carriers. During one attempt, two trucks approached from opposite directions simultaneously, creating a traffic backup as they tried to access the property. Thanks to the professionalism of the Philadelphia Police Civil Affairs Unit and their supervising sergeant, the situation remained under control. After reviewing the situation, the outside carriers were directed to leave. Local 500 members have remained united, disciplined, and committed to exercising their rights peacefully while standing together for a fair contract and retirement security.

Teamster Power kept these trucks out!

On August 17, 2026, Local 776 President Spencer Dearth visited the striking Teamsters, walking the picket line along with them in a show of solidarity and support. “In these times of corporate greed, it is more important than ever to take a stand, say enough is enough, and demand a strong, reliable pension for these hard-working members. I’m here today representing all of Local 776’s Members to show support for these Members and let the employer know that an injury and insult to one is an injury and insult to all Teamsters!”

Local 776 President Spencer Dearth (In front of the rat) proudly stands with the striking Local 500 Members as they take a stand against corporate greed!