ABM shuttle drivers transport UPS employees to their job sites at the sprawling Worldport facility in Louisville, Kentucky. Seventy percent of the shuttle drivers signed union authorization cards with Local 89 and then demanded that management recognize their union but management refused. Workers and Teamsters Local 89 turned up the heat. Instead of going through a lengthy NLRB election process, ABM workers announced they planned to go on strike to win union recognition. UPS Teamsters at Worldport would have the right to honor the strike line of ABM workers. With the threat of a shutdown at Worldport looming, ABM folded. They agreed to recognize their workers as Teamsters if a neutral arbitrator determined that Local 89 had majority support. With a super-majority of cards in hand, victory and union recognition was theirs. The newly organized Teamsters are gearing up for contract proposal meetings and negotiations. Drivers haven’t seen a raise in two years and their health benefits have eroded over time. Safety is another major concern. ABM shuttle buses are in disrepair–from failing breaks to   headlights–and requests for repairs have gone ignored. “People were fed up with what was going on and ready for a change,” said Curtis Durst, a former Worldport shuttle driver. Durst was fired by ABM for his organizing efforts, but continued to organize his former coworkers to sign cards. Local 89 is fighting for Durst’s reinstatement. The victory of these 190 shuttle drivers shows the power of a credible strike threat. “This is going to change the lives of 190 people and their families. And they all deserve it,” said Durst. “People should know that it is possible to win better.”

ABM Teamsters stand united!

Supplemental bargaining continued across the country last week as Teamster negotiating committees for 14 of the 30 open supplements and riders met with the company. While supplemental committees have reported some progress over the last week, UPS continues to stonewall on substantive Teamster proposals. Committee chairs anticipate that bargaining will intensify over the next few weeks before national negotiations begin on April 17. Ten supplemental negotiating committees have bargaining dates scheduled for this week.

Cartage Services, Inc.

The CSI Negotiating Committee met with the company last week. Progress remains slow with two tentative agreements reached on minor language issues. UPS is not budging on Teamster proposals around subcontracting issues. The next bargaining date is March 27.

Central Pennsylvania Supplement

The Central Pennsylvania Supplement Negotiating Committee did not meet with the company last week. The next bargaining dates are scheduled for March 21-23.

Please see below for information concerning the April 2023 Membership Meeting:

The Health and Welfare Fund has issued an “Application for Reimbursement” form for submitting medical claims for reimbursement. The form, and accompanying instructions, may be downloaded at the “Downloads” page under “Member Resources.”

General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman will hold a National UPS Teamsters Call with Stewards on Sunday, March 19, to discuss April rallies and other actions, provide information on contract action training for members and share details about the upcoming kickoff of national negotiations. We urge all Stewards to register for this call and participate to hear important updates from O’Brien, Zuckerman, and other leaders from the International. Time: 12 pm ET.

To register for the call follow the link below:

https://teamster-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ut7n1cuQOuTccoyu92v9w

Today in Johannesburg, South Africa, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien introduced a motion calling for international support and solidarity in the union’s ongoing Teamsters contract campaign at UPS.

The motion calls on ITF - International Transport Workers' Federation unions to join the recently established UPS Global Network which will monitor UPS international activities and coordinate campaigns to force UPS to respect and honor its workers worldwide.

The motion was seconded by Bernard Owusu of the General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU) of the Trade Union Congress in Ghana. It was passed unanimously by the 500 delegates who represent 185 trade unions from 90 countries.

“We must coordinate our leverage internationally if we expect to be successful in 2023 and beyond,” said O’Brien. “Improving standards in our contract campaign means success not only in the United States but worldwide. UPS is a global company and as we ask our brothers and sisters to support us, we will support them in their struggles.”

“Building union coalitions which strengthen workers’ power globally is what the ITF stands for. The ITF will support the Teamsters and all our UPS affiliates in their legitimate fight for workers’ dignity and fair employment within UPS,” said Steve Cotton, ITF General Secretary.

IBT President Sean O'Brien addresses the International Transport Workers' Federation

Earlier this week the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) and TForce Freight exchanged proposals for a new TForce National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA). After the parties reviewed the proposals there was a general question and answer session to clarify certain issues raised by both sides.

“We will negotiate the strongest contract possible at TForce so that we can protect our members and restore pride in the freight industry,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. The current national agreement expires on July 31.

An additional negotiating session is scheduled for the week of April 10, 2023.

The Teamsters National Negotiating Committee includes (First-row L-R:) National Freight Director John Murphy, Eastern Region Freight Coordinator, and Local 776 President Ed Thompson. The second row, (Left) TForce Eastern Region Representative and Local 776 Business Agent Spencer Dearth, and seventh from the left is Rank and File Committee Member and Local 776 Trustee Dipan Patel.

If you have ever been to the PA Farm Show you’re aware that many people go for the unique food that is offered by various vendors. Milkshakes from the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association are one of the most popular food items at the PA Farm Show.

If you were unable to attend this year’s Farm Show you’re in luck. Local 776 is bringing Farm Show Milk Shakes to the Union Hall for you to enjoy. At the conclusion of the Membership Meeting on Sunday, March 12, 2023, Farmshowmilkshakes.com will be at the Union Hall providing shakes to the Members in attendance!

The membership Meeting starts promptly at 10:00 AM. Come on over for the meeting, the fellowship of Teamster Members, and enjoy a Farm Show Milkshake!

The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) met with TForce Freight on March 6, 2023, in Washington to begin negotiations for a new TForce National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA). The Teamsters will formally exchange proposals with the company this week.

“We will negotiate the strongest contract possible at TForce so that we can protect our members and restore pride in the freight industry,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “We are demanding a national contract that raises wages and resets standards. We won’t settle for anything less.” The current national agreement expires on July 31.

“We have assembled a top-notch negotiating team with the experience and know-how to take on this company and put members first. We have a plan and a vision focused entirely on the membership,” said Teamsters National Freight Director John A. Murphy. “The committee has reviewed hundreds of issues based on thousands of responses from our members at TForce, and we are committed to making sure their voices are heard during these negotiations.”

TForce Teamsters from across the country are serving on the national negotiating committee. Local 776 members Dipan Patel, and Rob Smiley, both Local 776 Executive Board Members and also Stewards at TForce Freight will be participating in the negotiations.

Local 776 Members Dipan Patel, and Rob Smiley (Rear L-R), listen intently as the negotiating committee convenes

Please see below for information concerning tickets for the Shriners Circus held at the Zembo Mosque in Harrisburg: