Actually, it was the '82 and '85 contracts that offered signing bonuses. I wouldn't be surprised if they offered one in this upcoming contract. Remember, this will be the last time that Scott Davis will be able to screw us with Hoffa doing the negoitations. Hoffa will take the money offered by UPS, and run, just like Jackie Presser, Roy Fitzminnons and all the other mob guys did.
A signing bonus is a bribe. The last two contracts, UPS managers were having PCM's to talk us into voting for the contract. Look for that to happen again. Sigh...unfortunatley, people follow like sheep. If they offer the signing bonus you can bet new-hires and other young kids will vote to get the money and then quit. They have nothing vested in the company so why not take the money. I would.