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