This is my first, and probably last post on this platform. As a 33 year Teamster who started at UPS in 1990, business agent and/or principle officer of a local since 2002 I think I may have some perspective which could benefit my brothers, sisters and our union as I’m winding down my career over the next couple years. It Is not my intent to offend or upset anyone, just wanted to offer my experience based opinion in the hopes it may be of benefit to my fellow Teamsters and this great union which has provided so much to so many. Some of my statements and opinions will not be popular but are the truth and based upon my personal, first hand experiences. So here goes….
I do not, on a personal level, care for every union official I’ve worked with over the years but have never witnessed a single official “selling out” the membership. I’m quite certain there are those I have dealt with that do not care for me on a personal level. There have been decisions made with which I disagreed, sometimes vehemently. Despite my disagreeing with some of these decisions, the person or persons involved truly believed they were making the best decision for the members. Looking back, sometimes the decisions I disagreed with turned out to be the best possible decision and I was wrong. Sometimes my concerns proved to be valid. Regardless of whose opinion was ultimately correct, everyone involved honestly had the members best interests at heart.
Hoffa and Taylor did not “sell out” the members and were not in bed with the company. They actually did a pretty damn good job. Not perfect and I’m sure there were some things they wish they could do differently if they could go back in time with the benefit of the knowledge they possess today. O’Brien and Zuckerman aren’t selling us out now and Vairma would not have sold us out had he been elected. Sean and Fred are truly doing the best they can to get the best possible Agreement. Maybe actually trust the people we elected and give them the same benefit of doubt we ask the employers to give to our brothers and sisters.
Stop with the “Vote No” bs at least until you’ve read the actual TA. There will never be an agreement which is perfect and the current one will not be an exception. The question should be “Is this offer acceptable over all and will it improve my families life versus the consequences of refusing the offer?” Your vote belongs to you. I just encourage everyone to make and informed, rational decision not based upon emotion or your dislike of management. If the negotiating committee recommends an agreement it’s usually best to trust they have gotten the best package that can be obtained. They have nothing to gain by short changing us.
Consider setting aside the ego and accept you may not be labor negotiator. Hoffa, Hall, Taylor, O’Brien and Zuckerman have years of training and the experience of actually negotiating labor agreements on a daily basis. They are surrounded by some of the best negotiators, attorneys, economists, etc. in the country. The theory of always voting No on a first offer is asinine. This is not haggling at a flea market.
If everyone would actually trust their elected union officials (and hold them accountable), stop disparaging the union, fellow members and union leaders in social media and check those egos and emotions I think we would all be amazed at the progress which could be made for working families. We’ve been doing just the opposite for 30 years, it may be time to give a little positivity a chance.
To everyone that served on the negotiating committees, all the local and international union staff involved and member activists I would like to personally thank you for your sacrifice and service no matter the outcome. To everyone who reads this, I hope you all have a safe day and long, profitable Teamster careers.
Tim Nichols
I do not, on a personal level, care for every union official I’ve worked with over the years but have never witnessed a single official “selling out” the membership. I’m quite certain there are those I have dealt with that do not care for me on a personal level. There have been decisions made with which I disagreed, sometimes vehemently. Despite my disagreeing with some of these decisions, the person or persons involved truly believed they were making the best decision for the members. Looking back, sometimes the decisions I disagreed with turned out to be the best possible decision and I was wrong. Sometimes my concerns proved to be valid. Regardless of whose opinion was ultimately correct, everyone involved honestly had the members best interests at heart.
Hoffa and Taylor did not “sell out” the members and were not in bed with the company. They actually did a pretty damn good job. Not perfect and I’m sure there were some things they wish they could do differently if they could go back in time with the benefit of the knowledge they possess today. O’Brien and Zuckerman aren’t selling us out now and Vairma would not have sold us out had he been elected. Sean and Fred are truly doing the best they can to get the best possible Agreement. Maybe actually trust the people we elected and give them the same benefit of doubt we ask the employers to give to our brothers and sisters.
Stop with the “Vote No” bs at least until you’ve read the actual TA. There will never be an agreement which is perfect and the current one will not be an exception. The question should be “Is this offer acceptable over all and will it improve my families life versus the consequences of refusing the offer?” Your vote belongs to you. I just encourage everyone to make and informed, rational decision not based upon emotion or your dislike of management. If the negotiating committee recommends an agreement it’s usually best to trust they have gotten the best package that can be obtained. They have nothing to gain by short changing us.
Consider setting aside the ego and accept you may not be labor negotiator. Hoffa, Hall, Taylor, O’Brien and Zuckerman have years of training and the experience of actually negotiating labor agreements on a daily basis. They are surrounded by some of the best negotiators, attorneys, economists, etc. in the country. The theory of always voting No on a first offer is asinine. This is not haggling at a flea market.
If everyone would actually trust their elected union officials (and hold them accountable), stop disparaging the union, fellow members and union leaders in social media and check those egos and emotions I think we would all be amazed at the progress which could be made for working families. We’ve been doing just the opposite for 30 years, it may be time to give a little positivity a chance.
To everyone that served on the negotiating committees, all the local and international union staff involved and member activists I would like to personally thank you for your sacrifice and service no matter the outcome. To everyone who reads this, I hope you all have a safe day and long, profitable Teamster careers.
Tim Nichols
