UPS Teamsters have voted by an overwhelming 97 percent to authorize a strike, giving the union maximum leverage to win demands at the bargaining table.

The powerful vote allows the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a strike should UPS fail to come to terms on a strong new contract by July 31, when the union’s current National Master Agreement expires. The Teamsters represent more than 340,000 UPS package delivery drivers and warehouse logistics workers nationwide.

Local 776 UPS Members stand behind the negotiating committee; 93% of the Local's vote was in support of the strike authorization.

“This vote shows that hundreds of thousands of Teamsters are united and determined to get the best contract in our history at UPS. If this multibillion-dollar corporation fails to deliver on the contract that our hardworking members deserve, UPS will be striking itself,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The strongest leverage our members have is their labor and they are prepared to withhold it to ensure UPS acts accordingly.”

National negotiations between the Teamsters and UPS began on April 17. Union representatives and rank-and-file members serve on the national negotiating committee.

The UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement is the largest private-sector contract in North America. Full- and part-time UPS Teamsters are working in lockstep for a new five-year agreement that guarantees higher wages for all workers, more full-time jobs, an end to forced overtime and harassment from management, elimination of a two-tier wage system, and protection from heat and other workplace hazards.

“This strike authorization vote sends a clear message to UPS that our members are damned and determined to take necessary action to secure a historic contract that respects their dedication and sacrifice,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. “Our members are the backbone of UPS, and they are the reason this corporation hauled in more than $100 billion in revenue just last year. It’s time for UPS to pay up.”

IBT General President Sean O'Brien couldn't be any clearer as he makes his point!

With the ABF tentative agreement unanimously approved by Teamster Leaders, the agreement now goes to the Members for a vote. Local 776 will conduct in-person voting beginning Monday, June 19, 2023. See below for a detailed schedule of places and times to vote.

Teamsters at TForce Freight have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. This strong mandate reflects the strength and unity of the members’ fight for a strong national contract. The Teamsters represent more than 7,000 workers at TForce nationwide. 

“Teamsters at TForce Freight know what it takes to win at the table. They have spoken loud and clear that they are ready to take on this company if they don’t get the best agreement possible,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Our members are the backbone of this company and essential to keeping the nation’s supply chain moving. They deserve to be rewarded with a contract that reflects their value.”  

The Teamsters’ commitment to raising the bar for all workers in the freight industry has been a top priority for the union’s new leadership. On June 15, Teamster local union leaders endorsed a new tentative agreement at ABF Freight for more than 8,500 members. The national contract at TForce Freight expires on July 31. 

“The resounding vote in favor of strike authorization serves as a clear message that our members will not accept anything less than a strong, comprehensive agreement that raises standards and improves working conditions,” said Kris Taylor, Co-Chair of the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) at TForce Freight. “This is a critical vote that will give us more bargaining power as we enter the final phase of negotiations.”  

TForce Teamsters from across the country serve on the national negotiating committee.

TNFINC will resume negotiations on June 26 in Dallas.

Teamsters TForce Freight Negotiating Committee. Back Row Left: Local 776 BA Spencer Dearth: TForce Freight Eastern Region Representative for National Negotiations. Front row L-R John Murphy IBT National Freight Director, Local 776 President Ed Thompson: Eastern Region Freight Coordinator.

Teamsters Union local leaders have announced their endorsement and support for the tentative agreement reached between the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) and ABF Freight. The national contract covers over 8,500 members.

“With this new agreement, we have reset the standard and charted a new course for the entire freight industry,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The gains made at the table are a testament to our strength and commitment to revamp and rebuild the Freight Division.”

The five-year agreement will run from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028. The current agreement expires June 30.

Highlights of the tentative agreement include:

• Wage Increases: Members will receive a $3.50 per hour raise effective July 1, 2023, with a total of $6.50 in raises over the life of the agreement. The wage increase in year one alone surpasses those of the entire previous contract, providing meaningful improvements for members.

• Expanded Benefits: MLK Day has been added as a new paid holiday, recognizing the significance of this day. Starting January 1, 2024, two additional annual paid sick days will be added to the contractual minimum, increasing the minimum number of paid sick days from five to seven.

• Health, Welfare, & Pension Contributions: The company is required to increase its contributions to health, welfare, and pension plans, with a total of $4.46 per hour of additional contributions over the term of the agreement. These contributions provide vital support for members’ health care and retirement needs.

• Protections and Safeguards: The tentative agreement includes provisions to safeguard members’ rights and well-being. It prohibits the use of invasive technology, such as inward-facing cab cameras, audio recorders, body sensors, and biometric technology in vehicles operated by bargaining unit employees. It also ensures protections against the use of autonomous vehicles or freight transportation without drivers/operators, safeguarding job security.

“This committee did a fantastic job and worked hard to secure this very strong tentative agreement,” said John A. Murphy, Teamsters National Freight Director. “Their months of dedication and resolve have resulted in a comprehensive agreement that addresses members’ top priorities and secures significant economic gains and non-economic improvements.” 

Balloting will be conducted in person by each local union.

IBT General President Sean O'Brien addresses the Negotiating Committee

Earlier today a Local 776 Member submitted photos from the picnic at Knoebels. They've been added to the Member's Photos from Knoebels in the photo gallery.

It’s almost summertime, that old ballpark man is back in gear, the Local 776 family picnic was just held last weekend, and things are heating up. They plan to get a lot hotter on August 6^th;

Yep, it’s that time of the year again; the Local 776 Golf Tournament will tee off on Sunday, August 6^th this year. There will be plenty of competition as some of the Local’s best players tee it up for

bragging rights in the break room, the lunch room, and the locker room at work.

Think you’ve got what it takes to go a round of golf with these guys? If so get your foursome together, dust off your putter, and clean the mud from your spikes! Come on out for a day of friendly competition, but don’t delay the foursomes fill in quickly. See below for all the details on what plans to be another great Local 776 event!

Please see below for important information concerning Yellow Freight. In addition to the factsheet, you may view or share the video message from General President O'Brien linked below.

MESSAGE FROM GENERAL PRESIDENT SEAN O'BRIEN:
https://fb.watch/l8mJVOccqX/?mibextid=qC1gEa

Local 776 held their membership family picnic on Sunday, June 11^th. Knoebels amusement park was the place for a day of food, fun, fellowship, and good times with family, friends, and co-workers. What a way to kick off the unofficial start of summer! Schools out, the weather cooperated, and a day at Knoebels! Members, spouses, kids, grandkids, and retirees filled Knoebels making it one of Local 776’s largest member events. Inside the park, Teamster Pride was on display as a steady stream of Teamster Members and family members sporting Teamster hats, caps, T-shirts, and polo shirts milled about the park enjoying themselves.

As is the custom at Local 776 events, tickets were sold throughout the day for a 50-50 drawing to benefit the Local Union’s scholarship fund. The 50/50 winner was Mike Phillips, a retired member from YRC. Additionally, there were two drawings for televisions: The winner of the big TV was Bill Mutch, a retired member from New Penn. Also, the winner of the small TV was Bud Sweitzer, an ABF member.

Commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson “It’s a good feeling seeing my Brothers and Sisters, along with their families and friends, enjoying each other, the day, and the park. I’m proud of this turnout; it’s you, the members, supporting your Local Union, who fuel that sense of pride. I would like to thank EVERYONE from Local 776 who put so much time and effort into making the picnic a success. Without your support, this event could not happen.”

To view additional photos from the picnic please visit the Photo Gallery to view “Members Knoebels Photos 2023.”

"Let The Day Begin"-The Calm Before the Crowd!

Knoebels staff kept the food coming!

Austin's shirt says it all!

We're Having Fun!

It's always about the kids!

The 50/50 winner was Mike Phillips, a retired member from YRC, stopped by the Union Hall to collect his winnings!

In order to provide UPS members every opportunity to cast their strike authorization vote, In addition to the previously released strike authorization vote schedule UPS Members can vote in person at the York Union Hall Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. 

Below are the dates and times for in-person strike authorization voting at UPS locations for Local 776:

Harpa/Harrisburg Hub: Monday, June 12th from 7 am until 9:30 am for Package car and pre-load. 4:30 pm to 6 pm for the local sort. 

Market Street: Monday, June 12th, 7:30 am to 9:30 am for package car and preload. 4:30 pm to 6 pm for local sort. 

Gettysburg: Tuesday, June 13th, 7:30 am to 9:30 am for package and pre-load. 4:30 pm to 6 pm for local sort. 

EZRA: Tuesday, June 13th from 7 am until after the start of night sort. Please use the first guard shack on Tuesday so you can vote prior to entering the building. 

MDT/Airport: Tuesday, June 13th, 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm

The Carlisle Hub: Wednesday, June 14th from 7 am until after the start of night sort. 

Harpa/Harrisburg hub: Thursday, June 15th, 7 am to 9:30 am

Cartage Services (CSI): Thursday June 15th 600am to 9am 11am to 12pm 2pm to 2:30pm 

In addition, members can vote at the local Union Hall in Harrisburg from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday.