Brown Cafe - UPS info for UPSers

get ready for the next firing spree.

804troublemaker — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:24:51 GMT

UPS is in the process of installing monitors with a camera on it, it probably has a mic also.

FedEx Corp. Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings

ROBO MOD — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:00:03 GMT

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) today reported earnings of $2.13 per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended May 31. This excludes a $0.98 per diluted share business realignment program charge and a previously announced $0.20 per diluted share noncash aircraft impairment charge at FedEx Express. Including these charges, fourth quarter earnings were $0.95 per diluted share.Last year’s fourth quarter earnings were $1.99 per diluted share, excluding a $0.26 per diluted share noncash aircraft impairment charge at FedEx Express. Including last year’s charge, earnings were $1.73 per diluted share.
“FedEx Ground posted another strong year and FedEx Freight margins continued to improve,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. “These positive developments did not fully offset tepid economic growth and customer preference for less costly international shipping services. FedEx Express results improved in the fourth quarter, and while near-term challenges remain, we are confident we are positioning FedEx for profitable, long-term growth.”
Fourth Quarter Results
FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the fourth quarter:
Fiscal 2013 Fiscal 2012

	Adjusted(non-GAAP)	As Reported(GAAP)	Adjusted(non-GAAP)	As Reported(GAAP)
Revenue	$11.4 billion	$11.4 billion	$11.0 billion	$11.0 billion
Operating Income	$1.10 billion	$502 million	$990 million	$856 million
Operating Margin	9.6%	4.4%	9.0%	7.8%
Net Income	$679 million	$303 million	$634 million	$550 million
Diluted EPS	$2.13	$0.95	$1.99	$1.73

As announced on June 3, during the quarter FedEx Express permanently retired 10 aircraft and related engines. As a consequence, a noncash impairment charge of $100 million ($63 million, net of tax, or $0.20 per diluted share) was recorded in the fourth quarter.
Excluding business realignment program costs and aircraft impairment charges from this year and aircraft impairment charges from last year, “adjusted” operating results improved due to continued strong FedEx Ground performance and better FedEx Express performance.
Full Year Results
FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the full year:
Fiscal 2013 Fiscal 2012

	Adjusted(non-GAAP)	As Reported(GAAP)	Adjusted(non-GAAP)	As Reported(GAAP)
Revenue	$44.3 billion	$44.3 billion	$42.7 billion	$42.7 billion
Operating Income	$3.21 billion	$2.55 billion	$3.28 billion	$3.19 billion
Operating Margin	7.3%	5.8%	7.7%	7.5%
Net Income	$1.98 billion	$1.56 billion	$2.09 billion	$2.03 billion
Diluted EPS	$6.23	$4.91	$6.59	$6.41

Capital spending for fiscal 2013 was $3.4 billion, down from $4.0 billion in fiscal 2012.
Business Realignment Program Update
In October, the company announced profit improvement programs, which include a voluntary employee separation program. The program was completed during the fourth quarter, and approximately 3,600 employees will be voluntarily leaving the company in phases to ensure a smooth transition. Approximately 40% of the employees vacated their positions on May 31, 2013 in the first phase. Approximately 25% of the employees will vacate their positions in the final phase at the end of fiscal 2014.
The company incurred costs of $496 million ($313 million, net of tax, or $0.98 per diluted share) during the fourth quarter and $560 million ($353 million, net of tax, or $1.11 per diluted share) during fiscal 2013, associated with the business realignment activities. The cost of the voluntary employee separation program is included in the “Business realignment, impairment and other charges” line of the company’s statements of income. Business realignment program costs at FedEx Services have been allocated to the operating segments through the “Intercompany charges” line of each segment’s statement of income.
Outlook
FedEx is revising its earnings guidance practices to focus on full fiscal year projections with quarterly updates. For fiscal 2014, the company projects earnings per share growth of 7% to 13% from fiscal 2013 adjusted results. This assumes the current market outlook for fuel prices, U.S. GDP growth of 2.3% and world GDP growth of 2.7%. Capital spending for fiscal 2014 is expected to be approximately $4 billion.
“We remain focused on improving margins and returns in all of our businesses. The pace of that improvement is expected to be moderate in fiscal 2014 and then accelerate in fiscal 2015,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Our profit improvement program is progressing, but we continue to see the effects of customers selecting lower-rate international services. FedEx Express will further decrease capacity between Asia and the United States in July.”
FedEx Express Segment
For the fourth quarter, the FedEx Express segment reported:
• Revenue of $6.98 billion, up 3% from last year's $6.80 billion
• Adjusted operating income of $460 million, up 11% from $415 million a year ago. Including charges, operating income of $0, down from $281 million last year.
• Adjusted operating margin of 6.6%, up from 6.1% the previous year. Including charges, operating margin of 0.0%, down from 4.1% last year.
Adjusted operating income and margin improved despite the demand shift toward lower yielding international services, as the net impact of the fuel surcharge timing lag, capacity reductions and other cost reduction activities benefited the quarter’s results. Direct and intercompany costs associated with the business realignment programs and the aircraft impairment charge impacted operating income and margin by $460 million and 6.6 percentage points, respectively. Last year’s results included a $134 million aircraft impairment charge.
Revenue increased due to this year’s business acquisitions and growth at FedEx Trade Networks. U.S. domestic average daily package volume increased 2% and U.S. domestic revenue per package increased 1%, as higher rate per pound and weight per package were offset by lower fuel surcharges. FedEx International Economy volume grew 11%, while FedEx International Priority volume decreased 2% during the quarter. International export revenue per package fell 2% due primarily to lower rates.
FedEx Express is pleased to have been selected as the sole awardee of the recent U.S. Postal Service air cargo solicitation, representing the majority of the USPS’s air line-haul traffic. This new seven year agreement, valued at approximately $10.5 billion, begins on October 1, 2013. The agreement provides reduced rates for the USPS versus the prior FedEx Express agreement and offers the opportunity for incremental revenue.
FedEx Ground Segment
For the fourth quarter, the FedEx Ground segment reported:
• Revenue of $2.78 billion, up 12% from last year's $2.48 billion
• Adjusted operating income of $557 million, up 13% from $494 million a year ago. Including charges, operating income of $464 million, down 6% from last year.
• Adjusted operating margin of 20.1%, up from 20.0% the previous year. Including charges, operating margin of 16.7%.
Adjusted operating income increased due to higher volume and revenue per package. Intercompany costs associated with the business realignment programs impacted operating income and margin by $93 million and 3.4 percentage points, respectively.
FedEx Ground average daily volume grew 10% in the fourth quarter driven by market share gains and growth in e-commerce. Revenue per package increased 2%. FedEx SmartPost average daily volume increased 25% primarily due to growth in e-commerce. FedEx SmartPost net revenue per package was down 7% due to higher postage rates.
FedEx Freight Segment
For the fourth quarter, the FedEx Freight segment reported:
• Revenue of $1.39 billion, down 1% from last year's $1.40 billion
• Adjusted operating income of $81 million, unchanged from a year ago. Including charges, operating income of $38 million, down 53% from last year.
• Adjusted operating margin of 5.8%, unchanged from the previous year. Including charges, operating margin of 2.7%.
Adjusted operating results benefited from higher weight per shipment, increased yield and favorable operational efficiencies, partially offset by lower shipment volumes. Direct and intercompany costs associated with the business realignment programs impacted operating income and margin by $43 million and 3.1 percentage points, respectively.
Average daily less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments decreased 3% due in part to challenges encountered by some customers while migrating FedEx Freight functionality to the FedEx enterprise automation platform. LTL weight per shipment increased 2% driven by FedEx Freight Priority, and LTL yield increased 1% due to improvement in FedEx Freight Economy. LTL yield was negatively impacted by lower fuel surcharges.
Effective July 1, 2013, FedEx Freight will increase U.S. and certain other shipping rates by an average of 4.5%.
Corporate Overview
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $44 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.
Additional information and operating data are contained in the company’s annual report, Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and fourth quarter fiscal 2013 Statistical Book. These materials, as well as a webcast of the earnings release conference call to be held at 8:30 a.m. EDT on June 19 are available on the company’s website at investors.fedex.com. A replay of the conference call webcast will be posted on our Web site following the call.
Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to management's views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions in the global markets in which we operate, legal challenges or changes related to FedEx Ground’s owner-operators, new U.S. domestic or international government regulation, the impact from any terrorist activities or international conflicts, our ability to effectively operate, integrate and leverage acquired businesses, changes in fuel prices and currency exchange rates, our ability to match capacity to shifting volume levels and other factors which can be found in FedEx Corp.'s and its subsidiaries' press releases and filings with the SEC.

FedEx has just released its fiscal Q4 financial

Returntosender — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:44:38 GMT

FedEx Q4 2013 Earnings Announcement - Business Insider

When you live on top of a mountain.

gman042 — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:24:12 GMT

Here is how it went down. Adult signature required wine shipment.
Sent a text to the number on the package requesting instructions for delivery as they live on the side of a mountain that I cannot get up in my truck. Pretty much a goat trail. NA1 as I got no response while in area.
4 1/2 hours later I get a response to my text asking why I had not called them. This after I had already left the area. Sent back that I had requested instructions for delivery. Filling in for regular driver and do not have his contact numbers for customer.
They called in concern that I had not left a delivery notice. No way to get to their door to do just that.
Gonna get an ear full tomorrow. GRRRRR!

FMLA Question for those who have used it

Ghost in the Darkness — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:11:00 GMT

I have never used FMLA before so I was hoping someone could clarify a few things for me. Long story short is I'm on vacation this week already for the birth of my second son. We ended up having complications during childbirth which required an emergency c-section and additional surgery for my wife. My baby is doing great and my wife is on the road to recovery but I know she isn't going to be well enough to care for the baby on her own when I would be going back to work Monday.
I have only requested 1 week. If I use FMLA to take an extra week to help her out do I have use vacation/optional/sick days I haven't used yet? Do I have a choice on what I have to use? Do I forfeit a future week of bid vacation or would it simply be unpaid when I take it? I have personal and optional days that could cover the week but since they don't seem to feel we should be able to use personal days anymore then I figured FMLA would help me get them used or even an unpaid week, doesn't really matter to me. However I am against forfeiting future weeks of vacation that I have bid.

Ground is a scam

GROUNDIsAHugeSCAM — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:19:52 GMT

GROUND IS A HUGE SCAM! Theres so much corruption here its not even funny anymore. I was a former courier and i quit because the micromanagement was so bad. the only thing worse than express is ground! im lazy and not the most gung ho driver and im like the hardest working one here. i see drivers DL packages to their houses. i have also seen driver sign for direct signs and keep the package until the customer comes to pick it up. i tell people as much as i can to never use fedex. we routinely smash boxes on accident because my idiot co workers throw stuff and drop stuff. ground needs to be exposed for what it is,.... a scam

Safe driving gift 1991. Good bye my loyal friend.

brownmonster — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:56:15 GMT

image.jpg

After 20 plus years my Little Playmate finally bit the dust. Thankfully I have a gently used one from a safe driving award a few years later. Should take me to the end.

Attached Images

image.jpg (443.8 KB)

A scientist on the drug war

804brown — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:01:15 GMT

Everything Americans Think They Know About Drugs Is Wrong: A Scientist Explodes the Myths | Alternet

Hows this work?

Btn1969 — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:31:06 GMT

Ok! It's a police state at my station. I've got one letter and if you have any f up it's a olcc. With that being said, what is the process ? 2 olcc=pr then letter or 2 pr then letter? If so my ass is gone soon. ! I love me some fedex justice.

Question about transferring...

Saxton — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:28:36 GMT

Here is my question, I have been working as a PT pre-loader now for 3 years. Three months ago I was sent to driver school. This school was at a different Hub than the one I work at. While there I found out this Hub is in need a lot of drivers. During my time in school I was asked to transfer to that hub as this would allow me to drive basically right away. I said I would think about it, reason is this Hub is 50 miles one-way from where I live.

After returning from school, I talk to the driver Sup about running Sat. or Utility. I was informed that I would not even be a on-call person since I had so many people above me. I then asked about when they thought I was going to able to drive at all. I was told it could still be 2-3 years in my current Hub before I could drive. That's not to say I would not get a random Utility run from time to time with vacations and sick calls.

So after finding out this information, I contacted my HR guy and informed him I was interested in transferring to the Hub I went to school at to be a FT driver. At this point he informed me I cannot transfer to become a driver as I am currently a PT pre-loader. I would have to transfer and work PT for at least 6 months before I would be asked to drive. This came as a kind of shock to me as when I was asked the first time, I was advised by 2 different people that if I transferred, I would transfer to become a full time driver right away. While in school I found out this Hub had people in driver class with less than 5 months and they exhausted there bid list. Not to mention out of the 20 drivers that passed the class before mine, 18 washed out/failed during their 30 day period. Just a few weeks ago I heard this Hub was hiring drivers from outside the Hub. I really don't understand what that last part means.

So after my story, this is my question: How come I'm being told that if I transfer I would have to work as a PT'er? I was told while in school by 2 different HR guys that if I transfer it would be to become a driver, not to work PT. One of the HR guys is the HR guy in my Hub. So he has changed what he said while I was in school. I have asked to talk with the HR guy in the Hub that needs all these drivers, he has yet to return a phone call in about 2 weeks.

So, can you transfer as a PT'er to a different Hub needing drivers and drive right away? Provided you have the training you need before you can drive. Or since I'm a current PT'er i'm unable to do so, would have to transfer as a PT'er, wait for seniority then become a driver?

Sorry for the lengthy first post, any help would be great.

Thanks

Year round helpers?

Tough Guy — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:54:54 GMT

I've seen in a few posts here and there that some were saying their hubs use helpers almost years round. That would be phenomenal if they did that in my hub.

I know the company is super stingy when it comes to extra time, hours, people, etc. But, there are a lot of trucks that looks the same year round, and you would think it's peak season if you saw them even on a normal day. I think there could be some kind of system they could come up with where the driver had an option of using a helper, or if a trip has x amount of volume they're eligible for a helper, or something to that effect.

Also would be good on-road delivery experience for any prospective future drivers.

New member hopefully

Duke Togo — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:29:05 GMT

Just here to get some info and hope i get hired. Going for my road test thursday. Had some questions on the vehicles manual transmission. A friend of mines said the gears are in reverse order that a cars stick shift. Is that true?

IDG's Computerworld Names FedEx to 2013 List of 100 Best Places to Work in IT

ROBO MOD — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:10:04 GMT

FedEx (NYSE: FDX) has once again been named to the IDG Computerworld list of Best Places to Work in IT, as one of 100 top organizations that challenge their IT staffs while providing great benefits and compensation. This is the 17th time FedEx has been included on the prestigious list.

FedEx was recognized by Computerworld for its people-centric culture, including a strong emphasis on work-life balance, healthy employee initiatives and professional development programs offered throughout the organization. FedEx is consistently ranked among the world’s most-admired companies.

“Our people-first philosophy celebrates the talents of our IT team members around the world, and is the driving force behind our innovative spirit and our ability to connect millions of people around the globe every day,” said Rob Carter, EVP FedEx Information Services, CIO FedEx Corp. “We are honored to be recognized as a Best Place to Work in IT.”
"We applaud the organizations on the Best Places to Work in IT list for creating and sustaining dynamic IT work environments," said Scot Finnie, editor-in-chief of Computerworld. "This year, several new names have joined the stalwarts that make the list year after year. It's clear that the best IT workplaces are constantly raising the bar with great benefits, new learning opportunities, access to cutting-edge technologies and challenging business-critical projects."

Organizations will be included in coverage in Computerworld along with results from the 20th annual Best Places to Work in IT survey.

About the Best Places to Work in IT
The Best Places to Work in Information Technology (IT) list is an annual ranking of the top 100 work environments for technology professionals by IDG’s Computerworld. The list is compiled based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention. In addition, Computerworld conducts extensive surveys of IT workers, and their responses factor heavily in determining the rankings.

Craziest firing you've seen at UPS?

Xexys — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:32:19 GMT

Over the years that I worked I saw people get fired for some of the weirdest things. I've seen management have it out for people that they would fire the person for as little as improper break time. Some of the drivers I worked with did some pretty outrageous things to get themselves fired. I had seen many come and go through my time at UPS. I was wondering what is/was the craziest reason you've seen for a person to get the ax?

Management had it out for a driver in my center so much because of his constant over allowed time. This driver would do anything to make it difficult for management. Even the shop steward felt he was constantly going overboard to make life difficult for himself. Unkempt hair; uniform dirty; shoes not shined. You name it, he did it to call attention to himself. He even made a website with our locals number for people to vent. Our local tried in vane to get him to take the website down, but he just kept on keeping on.

He transferred to clerk and switched buildings. Now, when you are a clerk you are not supposed to wear your uniform. It's really different for every person. While I was a clerk, I could get away with just wearing the drivers shirt and this bothered my Union brother. So he started to wear the whole driver's uniform. By this time even the new building that he transferred to got wind of his shenanigans. He just made it very difficult for all of us.

So one day management told him that he should've turned in his uniform as soon as he got off the road. They told him the next day they wanted him to turn in all his uniforms. The next day came, and of course he forgot to haul them in from his car. Knowing that he would get in trouble, he dropped what he was doing and went out to his car and brought them in. I tried telling him it wasn't anytime close to break time but he of course he didn't listen. Management wanted to fire this man so much he was written up one time for taking a UPS pen through the guard shack and he had said to me that the next time he went up in front of a mediator that he was told he'd be gone.

So yeah, you guessed it. He was written up for taking an unauthorized break and he ended up losing his job. Our old Supervisor hated him so much he even attended to give his $0.02. 18 years down the drain.

Nobody else was asked to turn in their uniforms when they became clerk. But I for sure didn't wear my UPS shirt anymore! Just to lighten up the mood around here for a bit, I thought maybe some of you could share some of your experiences. I've seen many more through my time get fired for stupid crap but this one just stood out in my mind. I could go on and on but I've put too many letters in this post. Sorry for the long post...

I think we've found Fred a new employee

hatoya — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:46:04 GMT

Part time seniority vs Full time??

deede99 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:04:37 GMT

Here is my question. I have 25+ years part time seniority, I am told that my seniority doesn't matter against full time seniority (art. 22). They can have just a year seniority and they get to bid their vacations & Personal days before me. Is it this way everywhere?

The Otherside of Lincoln We Rarely Hear Of

wkmac — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:11:38 GMT

Quote:

Congressman Clement L. Vallandigham (D-Ohio) was the original American "whistleblower." Serving as a member of Congress from Dayton, Ohio during the War to Prevent Southern Independence, his criticisms of the Lincoln regime earned him the reputation as the leader of the Democratic opposition. The Republican Party smeared him and all other opponents as a "copperhead" (a.k.a. snake in the grass). On May 5, 1863, sixty-seven heavily-armed soldiers broke into his home in the middle of the night and dragged him off to a military prison. This was done without any due process, as Lincoln had long ago illegally suspended the writ of Habeas Corpus. He was said to be guilty of "discouraging enlistments" in the army with his criticisms of the Lincoln regime. A military order issued in the state of Ohio declared all such speech to be illegal, and military officers were to have dictatorial powers in deciding what kind of speech would be permitted there. All of this was of course done at the direction of Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln apparently wanted Northerners to believe that all such critics were spies and traitors, so Congressman Vallandigham was deported to the state of Tennessee and placed in the hands of a Confederate Army commander. The Confederates considered him to be an "enemy alien" and imprisoned him in Wilmington, North Carolina for a short time. Vallandigham was released and made his way via blockade runner to Canada, where he spent the rest of the war.

Copperhead: Words That Got a U.S. Congressman Deported

Speaking of Copperhead, on june 28th is the release of the film entitled Copperhead which the screenplay was written by Bill Kauffman, a regular featured writer at such websites as The American Conservative and Front Porch Republic, both excellent websites. Here is the trailer and yes I'm going that weekend to see the film.

Hubs Need To Implement Bomb/Explosion Response Teams Until EMTs Arrive

orangputeh — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:00:03 GMT

with 12 million packages going thru our hubs everyday the threat of a bomb and or explosion is very real. it would take EMTs 10-15 minutes or longer for them to respond. by then a person could bleed out.

the first one or two minutes are critical. I learned emergency first aid in the scouts and would have a reasonably good chance of helping someone. but how many people do ? we should consider training managers in emergency first aid to respond until the pros arrive.

maybe hubs could pass out American Red Cross booklets on emergency first aid or have fire depts. come to hubs and perform demonstrations. it's best to be proactive in this area.

thoughts?

Potential Route Owner Looking to Talk with Existing ISPs/Contractors

YouDontSay — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:34:21 GMT

Hi there,

I am considering purchasing an ISP and came across this forum while doing research. Needless to say, I have found much of the information here interesting and useful. If there are any existing ISPs or contractors that would be willing to talk to me about their experiences, I would greatly appreciate a PM.

Many thanks.

FedEx Trade Networks Opens New Distribution Facility in Romulus

ROBO MOD — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:20:06 GMT

FedEx Trade Networks, the customs brokerage and freight forwarding arm of global shipping giant FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), announced today the grand opening of its new Romulus, Mich. distribution facility. This new facility offers expanded service offerings to customers, including a full portfolio of customs brokerage, freight forwarding and distribution solutions.

As one of the largest-volume customs entry filers in North America, FedEx Trade Networks has provided exemplary customs brokerage and freight forwarding services in Romulus for several years. With the new facility, FedEx Trade Networks can now offer additional distribution and warehousing options to meet its customers total supply chain needs.

“Romulus is a key point of entry for FedEx Trade Networks and one of our largest U.S. customs brokerage operations. By adding onsite distribution services to our already vast portfolio offered in Romulus, we can provide customers more opportunities to improve their supply chains,” said Fred Schardt, president and CEO, FedEx Trade Networks. “Expanding our capabilities in Romulus supports our goals of providing integrated, end-to-end customer solutions and growing our freight forwarding business organically.”

The new FedEx Trade Networks Romulus facility offers a suite of distribution services to complement international and domestic trade, including complete door-to-door coordination from origin to destination, FedEx® International DirectDistribution, consolidation and deconsolidation, trans-loading, cross-docking, and full-carton and pick-and-pack distribution.

The FedEx Trade Networks Romulus office, located at 11101 Metro Airport Center Drive, Suite 100, has more than 40,000 sq. ft. dedicated to onsite distribution, and is strategically located with easy access to the U.S. Customs Port of Detroit, Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and downtown Detroit business centers. The Detroit region’s transportation, distribution and logistics industry is supported by seven international border crossings and ranks as the busiest U.S./Canada border crossing.

The Romulus expansion is part of the company’s focus on strengthening its North American infrastructure as it continues to grow globally. Since 2008, FedEx Trade Networks has opened a total of 58 new freight forwarding offices while enhancing several of its more than 80 existing locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company’s aggressive global expansion has increased its presence throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and North America. In addition to opening the new Romulus distribution facility, the company recently relocated its Highgate Springs, Vt.; Houston, Texas; Phoenix, Ariz. and New York (JFK), N.Y. offices to larger, strategically located facilities.

Seasonal Driver On Call All Day?

ThatsLogistics — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:34:03 GMT

Usually they call me in the morning when I am working, today they basically want me to stay on call all day? Are they even allowed to do this without paying me?

Abby Martin Opens A Can of Whoop ARSE on Bill Maher

wkmac — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:59:33 GMT

RIP - Jiah Khan

Hoaxster — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:10:51 GMT

Bollywood actress Jiah Khan found dead

Hey Drivers, Summer is here and you stink!!

Lifer — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:31:05 GMT

Seriously, cut back on the cologne. I know you are trying to impress the girl working at the GAP, but it's excessive, and her dad doesn't let her out past your usual clock out time anyway.

As a side note, I made a little infograph for new drivers. Some of these guys coming out of intergrad have their appearance completely out of whack and haven't yet learned how UPS drivers are ACTUALLY supposed to dress. This should help those new guys out.

Attached Images

upsdriver.png (53.0 KB)

Volume shift

Cementups — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 02:05:41 GMT

I've been noticing some of my account volume diminishing and seemingly go to FedEx ground. I'm sure they are throwing the "UPS is going to strike come 8/1. It would be wise to switch now to purple so you're not stuck when they do." And our recent 7% rate increase surely doesn't help. Is anyone else noticing this shift in volume?

And I'm sure any internet savvy customer can browse the likes of Facebook and other communities/social media and see all the "Vote No" campaigns. It surely doesn't help the customers desire to stay with us.

Hoffa found?

dirty moose — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:41:16 GMT

Tipster to FBI: Hoffa was hit with shovel, buried alive

Wake up Panic

Loyal Teamster — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:33:56 GMT

Every weekend i wake up panicking thinking i'm late for work, takes about 15 seconds to figure out its Saturday. Does this ever happen to you, waking up early Sat's or Sundays thinking your late for work?

Thanks,
Loyal Teamster

Expecting an Olcc or letter this week

Nolimitz — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:03:05 GMT

Thursdays are my scheduled day off. So last Wednesday, I mistakenly put my work keys in my pocket at EOD and went home. Tossed dirty stuff in laundry without checking pockets. Anyways come thurs. morning the guy driving my truck was using a spare "set" of keys. He was bulked out.... Got to first P1 stop and found he had no bulk head door key. Returned to station and got key. He ended up with 14 P1 late. Mgt in thier infinite wisdom decided he was at fault and should be punished via Olcc. Needless to say he refused to sign it on the grounds that key inspection is not part of a pre-trip. Mgt stated that the investigation would continue hence my expectation to receive E for taking keys home.
I also plan to RTS

work following driver...

mainebrown — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:46:50 GMT

i was wondering if anyone here has the same problem im currently having...work following you from route to route. I'm a cover driver and never do the run the regular driver goes out with...work follows me depending on which run i do...i've done three diffrent routes in one week and got the same split each time. I usally dont mind, but its getting overboard. I do the speed limit, take my breaks and lunch when i should....im starting to see why the union turns good workers into lazy workers..what do you guys do when this happens? am i overreacting? thanks guys

I voted no, but I'm sure it'll pass...

macg4ira — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:43:29 GMT

Hoffa and the boys usually get what they want...

I don't trust the changes to the health plan being my biggest reason..

Next time you order something from UPS and wonder WTF happened?

PigSkin — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:42:23 GMT

Please Contact Your Local Media/DOT/Police About FedEx 'Safety"

MrFedEx — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:04:57 GMT

I have not had a great deal of success, but maybe one of you will, or you have a media contact willing to get our story out there. Sooner or later it will be revealed just how hard we're being pushed and how badly on-road safety is being compromised. I've seen some of the bad accidents where couriers were killed or severely injured, and I'm also aware of numerous cases where FedEx vehicles killed and/or injured innocent motorists or pedestrians.

IMO, the national media won't be that interested because FedEx is a major advertiser. Simply put, they don't want to piss-off a potential revenue source, regardless of journalistic ethics. If one of the big networks ran a story "outing" FedEx, you can bet they'd yank every ad.

Your state's DOT, Highway Patrol or equivalent, or even local police could be good alternatives. FedEx Ground is already on the national FMCSA radar, and it's highly likely that most states are watching Ground more closely these days. The same needs to happen with Express, so I encourage anyone and everyone to call, email, or write your local applicable agency and fill them in on what exactly FedEx is doing. I would definitely mention working through breaks, excessive workloads that encourage speeding and reckless driving, and management threats. Nobody should be forced to be unsafe by a company motivated by only one thing...increased profits.

Unfortunately, I still think it's going to take a monumental disaster to get the proper degree of attention focused on the antics at FedEx. I'd really like to head that off at the pass by being proactive and getting the word out to authorities about the lack of a safety culture at Express. All of the empty BS about safety means nothing if you get hurt or killed, nor does it mean anything when you're sitting there looking at the blanket-covered body of a dead pedestrian or innocent driver. Please do not get pushed into being unsafe just so Fred can make even more money. And guess what? If you DO get into an accident, how do you think FedEx will react? You'll be under the bus so fast that you won't know what hit you.

The truth needs to be revealed.

What if you haven't made your 40 days but have 9 paychecks. Can you still join the..

you aint even know it — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:17:02 GMT

Union. Thanks everybody for answering my last question. I really appreciated it. Does UPS track your working days and see if you haven't made your 40 working days and forbid you from joining the union. I really want to join the union, thinks are really horrible at my hub. Supervisors are working consistently and sending new pters home really early everyday and no one is even doing anything about it, none, not even the steward or the members that have been there for a lot of years. Or are managements permitted to work in local 804? I average 2 and a half hours everyday and I always leave with a lot of unfinished work remaining that falls under my position description. I've been reading the contract a lot, and it says supervisors aren't permitted to do bargaining work - which is my kind of work.

In training seniority...

tramtwo — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:16:52 GMT

Two part timers are both in training to cover drive... does seniority still apply? Can the member with more building seniority be passed over while the lesser seniority member is being trained. Or does he have a right to work even thou they are both under 30 days driving?

Very good article

STLFeeder — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:02:27 GMT

http://www.allamericanpolitico.com/whats-in-a-name-what-labor-doesnt-know-about-labor-now-you-do/

Consumers Want Choices and Convenience When Shopping Online

ROBO MOD — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:10:06 GMT

Social and Mobile Integration, Shipping Options and Flexible Returns Drive Brand Loyalty

comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, and UPS (NYSE: UPS) today released the second UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper™: A Customer Experience Study, a report analyzing e-commerce preferences including mobile trends, social media impact and the integrated buying experience of shopping in physical stores and online - also known as omnichannel retailing.

Results show consumers want more choices when it comes to shopping online, more control over when their purchases will be delivered and a convenient returns process. They're also using social media to shop for the best deals and expect more shipping options from e-tailers.

Earlier this year, comScore asked 3,000 consumers which factors led them to shop more on their computers, smartphones or tablets; to abandon their shopping carts, and to recommend retailers to friends. The study provides new insight to help retailers increase sales - 44 percent said they would more likely shop with a retailer if they could buy online and pick up the item in the store and 62 percent want the ability to buy online and return items to a store.

Mobile and social channels continue to change the way consumers shop - 46 percent said they are less likely to comparison shop when using a retailer's mobile app, and 47 percent said they want a retailer to send a coupon to their smartphone when they are in-store or nearby. Not surprisingly, 84 percent of online shoppers use at least one social media site. Among Facebook users - the most popular channel - 60 percent "like" a brand to receive an incentive or promotion.

"Consumers have a growing number of digital touch points, with more ways to stay connected with their favorite online retailers through every phase of the shopping, buying and fulfillment process," said Susan Engleson, comScore senior director. "What will set apart one retailer from another in a competitive marketplace is how well they meet the rapidly evolving needs and expectations of customers."

Channels, Choices and Convenience

Shoppers expect more shipping options from online retailers, but 78 percent continue to choose the least expensive option. To qualify for free shipping, three out of four shoppers have added items to their carts. After free shipping, the ability to review estimated shipping costs and delivery times before checkout are most important. Almost all (97%) of those surveyed said tracking a purchase is essential or nice to have.

Only 44 percent of consumers are currently satisfied with their ability to reroute a package. Retailers supporting changes while orders are in transit have a competitive advantage. "As consumers move more of their shopping online and gain exposure to a variety of purchasing experiences, their expectations for retailers continues to grow," said Alan Gershenhorn, UPS's chief sales and marketing officer. "Now consumers can shop from anywhere, at any time and are looking for online retailers to have an integrated and robust set of options as the customer experience no longer ends at checkout. Whether large or small, UPS helps retailers develop innovative consumer-driven global supply chain management strategies."

Hassle-Free Returns

According to the report, more consumers are returning online purchases. Last year's Customer Experience Study showed 63 percent of consumers reviewed a retailer's return policy before making a purchase. This year it's 66 percent. A hassle-free returns policy can make the difference in driving return customers - 82 percent of consumers said they would complete the purchase if they could return the item to a store or have free return shipping; 67 percent said they would shop more with that retailer and 64 percent would recommend the retailer to a friend.

To download a copy of the report, media executive summary and infographic please visit: UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper.

About UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper: A Customer Experience Study

The Pulse of the Online Shopper, a report commissioned by UPS, evaluates consumer shopping habits from pre-purchase to post-delivery. The study is based on a comScore survey of more than 3,000 U.S. online shoppers. For more information on the report, please contact Susan Engleson at sengleson@comscore.com.

Advice To Aspiring Small Business Owners: Have Faith In Yourself

ROBO MOD — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:10:06 GMT

The UPS Store ® releases Small Business Week survey results; Announces national launch with SCORE

When it comes to small business, Americans' aspirations couldn't be bigger. According to survey results released today by The UPS Store ®, 48 percent of Americans dream of starting a business, while 71 percent of small business owners say they would start their business all over again today.

Despite the interest in being your own boss, starting a small business requires more than simply hanging an 'Open' sign in the window. Just over half of small business owners (51%) spent more than two years dreaming about their future company before taking the leap of faith, and nearly one third (31%) spent more than five years planning, according to the findings.

"Many small business owners told us they wish they had a partner to rely on for advice when making the leap to start their own company," said Michelle Van Slyke, vice president of marketing and small business solutions at The UPS Store. "We want small business owners in our communities to know we're a part of their neighborhood. We understand their needs, and we're here for them."

As part of its commitment to the small business community, The UPS Store also announced today a national program with SCORE, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring and education for small businesses. Together, the organizations are launching a marketing assessment tool designed to help small business owners develop and implement successful marketing strategies for their unique business needs based on recipes contained within the SCORE Cookbook.

"We know people are five times more likely to start the business of their dreams when they have a mentor," said Ken Yancey, CEO, SCORE. "Programs like The UPS Store's give small business owners the boost they need to achieve their goals."

Despite the many successful small businesses in the United States, according to the survey results nearly one third of small business owners don't think they've "made it" as a business owner. How they define "making it" varies from a certain amount of time in business, to number of customers, to profitability.

Additional survey findings include:

The most common type of business Americans would open today is a restaurant (18%) followed by clothing/apparel (7%).
The most difficult obstacle for small business owners was taking the leap of faith to start their own companies (36%).
To overcome the hurdle, one in four small business owners relied on their own internal, personal desires while one in five found inspiration from the support and encouragement from others.

Additionally, sixty-three percent of small business owners shared the same piece of advice for budding entrepreneurs: have faith in yourself.

Survey Methodology
The results of the survey are based on an online survey with general consumers age 18+ and small business owners. The study was conducted with almost 1,500 general consumers and over 200 small business owners between May 3 and 7, 2013. The sample was drawn randomly from Research Now's panel.

804 local contract

804 member — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:04:02 GMT

It bothers me that Pres. TS says "This is the best local contract ever" when it is clearly all hinging on the possible pension increase that hasn't be voted on yet. There is no guarantee! A signed letter of intent isn't a guarantee!

It bothers that Vice Pres. Pete is rumored to say to my fellow workers that "The pension will fall through". I am only calling it a rumor because the person who told me isnt always 100% correct but I asked around and it seems like it is most likely correct and probably not a rumor.

TS and another BA are on the national list of supporters of the National contract yet they tell us to vote it down..... I'm so confused!!!

If the pension falls through the contract isn't worth the paper I mailed back with a big "NO" on it.

I try to support my union reps with no politics but the questions are adding up and putting doubt in all our minds.

R.I.P. Bernard Sahlins

moreluck — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:25:56 GMT

Second City co-founder Bernard Sahlins dies at 90

How to leak to the press

804brown — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:40:32 GMT

The Whistleblower's Guide: How to Leak to the Press

To join the union in NYC, is it 40 working days or 30 working days?

you aint even know it — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:26:58 GMT

Ok I'm new here. My supervisors said its 40 working days and the hr guy said it'll be 40 working days to join the union when I was at training. But I don't believe any of them. I'm a little skeptical and cynical of them. I was hired in the beginning of April and my first working day (not training) was on April 19th. Based on the contract, it says it should take 30 working days for the Atlantic region which I think New York is apart of, right? My shop steward is sus and I don't trust him either. I always see him and the ft supervisor shaking hands and smiling like those evil African leaders that are up to no good. Since I wasn't hired in a peak season month (April), it should be 30 working days right? Also, when I'm in the union. Can I tell an annoying security guard (management puppet) who always watches me and tells me to go fast to leave me alone and get back to doing his job? He's very annoying. Where does UPS get these security guards from? 90% of them can barely speak English. I can't even understand most of them most of the times.

Retirement Readiness Assessment

FracusBrown — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 03:22:56 GMT

Retirement Readiness Assessment

Anyone get the Retirement Readiness Assessment?

What's the purpose?

Vote NO ASAP DEADLINE IS THURSDAY JUNE 20

revitup — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:43:23 GMT

The more no votes the better,we need to send a clear message .

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Tomorrow is your last chance to spread the word.

UPS Loaders, how Does your Facility Handle Miss Loads?

JDAM00 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:53:39 GMT

We have a new guy running our facility. Some pretty tight changes have been made. Most make sence. One thing he really tightened up on were consequences for miss loads. I was wondering what the policy for some of the other facilities are?

Right now we are set up as 1 miss load = warning letter. A second = an article 7, 1 day working or non working suspension, then 3 day, 5 day, etc.

90 days before raise

Kimball401 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:43:47 GMT

I know this question is worn out but I need to know when I start is it 90 days after I worked there in addition to our 45 day probationary period do we receive our $1 raise

PS I'm a loader/unloader and I'm starting at 8.50

How do I change my handle?

zagsfan20 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:25:35 GMT

I want it to be FreshKnees.

PerSonal HoLiDay QuesTion!

feeder — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:25:06 GMT

I've been at ups for a long time and know how things work, but, This problem puzzles me. I have 5 Personal Holidays, I used one, took that day off but the sup forgot to pay me. Usually when this happens, I just talk to sup, and he fixes it. My question is: If I don't tell the sup and my paycheck still says I have 5 personals holidays, does this still mean that I have 5 personals holidays to use?

Blaming The Hourly

MrFedEx — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:17:57 GMT

As always, WE hourlies are getting the "blame" for the current meltdown, even though it's all on Memphis. All the threats, OLCCs, letters and the rest of it cannot fix a company that is bereft of decent leadership, but that's what they are trying, because it's all they've got. Who outsourced customer service? Who created and implemented DRA? And who thought-up all of the stupid other crap like RTB, no clocking-in until 5 minutes before start time, and on and on? MEMPHIS DID, and then they directed their mindless minions at the station level to enforce it like the Gestapo.

It is obvious that Express is imploding, and that they are flailing away like drowning rats trying to save themselves. There is zero accountability at the top, and no defense mechanism for us, so they attack with everything they've got in an attempt to blame US for their incredibly stupid actions and policies. Based on the criteria for Gross Leadership Failure, they should all be gone...but they're not. In fact, the Five Star Awards are probably still flowing, along with the bonuses and other perks...for effing this opco up beyond recognition.
Amazing, to say the least.

Based on what I'm seeing, it's only going to get worse, because we are led my morons who are now obsessed with saving their own skins. How soon before Wall Street gets a whiff of all of this? If everyone would WAD and do everything else in their power to screw-up the system, soon Express will be bleeding money like a stuck pig, which is exactly what we should want to happen. Perhaps, just perhaps, the incredibly piss-poor "leadership" of FedEx will be exposed, called-out, and hung in the press like they deserve.

Ground is keeping the ship afloat, and those profits are disguising the rot beneath the surface, the fecal stain that is our upper management "team". Time for some Clorox.

Punching the bowl.

Nimnim — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:05:05 GMT

This is for the drivers out there.

Suppose you had bowel discomfort to the point where you could no longer hold it and ask the customer you are delivering to to use their bathroom. Upon using their facilities you discover your bowel movement has clogged the toilet and there is not a plunger available.

At this point do you just leave without saying anything, inform the customer of the situation and leave, or take matters in to your own hands and clear the clog barehanded knowing you're in a bathroom and there's a sink to wash up nearby?

This is merely a hypothetical I assume could create some entertaining responses.

Advice on OLCC's

hypo hanna — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:21:28 GMT

We have all noticed the dramatic increase in write ups for the most minor of infractions. I cant see the increase in discipline as anything more then mgmt's building a case to fire us or drive us to quit. All the sweet talk about OLCCs being nothing more then a "friendly counseling" is baloney. They are building their case should your firing end up in court. My advice, Do not sign any OLCC until it has been edited to include your version of events. In particular if you know of a similar case where the person was not disciplined.
You don't have to be rude, just calmly tell your manager you won't sign off unless it reflects the entire set of circumstances. Once it has been edited to your satisfaction, sign off, have your manager print you a hard copy and keep it in a file at home.

Summer 60hrs a week

instantK — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 10:57:47 GMT

So far this summer I have been getting 60hours a week Satuday included
$$$$$37/hr to deliver 8 stops on saturday got 6 hours! Thanx UPS

incompetant steward

sick_and_tires — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 08:12:00 GMT

i am only posting this because myself and my center needs help. we feel as if our steward is incompetent and does not stand up for us. no one wants to be s steward because we are all intimidated by our management team. is there a way to file a grievance against the steward and or the union. sometimes he wont file our grievances or will talk us out of filing a grievance.

we need help, comments, or suggestions.

22.3 Question

sick_and_tires — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 08:05:37 GMT

i was wondering if anyone has tried this in your canter. has there ever been or have you heard of a package driver moving to a inside 22.3 position. the way that i read the contract there are conflicting language and a gray area about this. one part it says that it is intended for part timers to move into a full time position and then in another area it says that if a full timer is to transfer into this position it talks about what his or her progression would be.

the only reason that i am reading this language is because the work conditions in my center are so bad that i get back home after 830 at night and dont get to see my family. i dont think that anyone has ever tried this because of the drastic cut in pay, who in their right mind would even think about it. but like is said i am tired of getting home so late. i only live 20 minutes from work. its not like i have to drive an hour to and from work.

any ideas or comments would be great.

Over 1,400 Ballots Were Requsted by Local 89 TODAY!

Hoffa SUX — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 04:03:42 GMT

Local 89 in Louisville sent a request for 1,400 new ballots via fax at 12:00 pm today. These were the amount of members that had not received their ballots as of today. Embarrassingly, the IBT sent the wrong ballots to the members of Local 89 not once, but twice and in some instances a third time. It is no surprise that the IBT had something up their sleeve with this action. Do to the IBTs screw-up, Local 89 members were given an extension to submit their votes. Originally the extension was set for June 22, but after the second and third screw-ups they've been extended to the 26th. Local 89 is home to 8,800 UPS Teamsters, the largest UPS Teamsters local and the leading local of the "Vote NO" movement. Their Local 89 Air Rider is sure to be defeated overwhelmingly.

In 2007, a total of only 2,424 Local 89 member voted (less than a quarter); 1,664 YES, 760 NO.

Other locals nationwide have been experiencing similar problems with ballots. Members have been requesting thousands of ballots nationwide, not once, but up to five times and they have yet to receive their ballots. Is it that replacement ballots have surpassed the numbers the IBT expected? Its NO surprise the IBT knows that those replacement ballots are NO votes.

Rank-and-file members nationwide have begun organizing to file charges against the IBT if the election is lost.

In 2007, approximately 70,000 members voted. Its been estimated that anything over 90,000 votes would easily defeat this substandard Tentative Agreement. The IBT is praying for a low turnout.

What was the latest you have punched out as a package driver.

East coast navy — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:54:46 GMT

I have two 2230 under my belt. Start time was 830. With a hour non paid lunch.

No UPS label on package

rick_osu — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:45:20 GMT

Greetings! I'm a first time poster (is this the right place to post this?...), and a longtime UPS user who has been very happy with the service I've received so far. In the past few days, I have found myself in quite the predicament. The story goes like this:

I had a computer part that was determined to be defective, so the company that I bought it from told me to ship it back to their hq in California. So, I box it up, and affix the label that the company emailed me onto the box (this label was for the part manufacturers processing purposes only. It was not a paid freight label, so it had no tracking number Just my address and the headquarters address). The next day, I get up, and make my way from Columbus to Cleveland to visit my brother, who is in town for a little bit. I was in a bit of a rush to leave early, and I forgot the package on my desk. So, I asked my roommate if he could take it to our local ups, and that I would compensate him when I got back. Well, long story short, he ended it up just taking the package to a drop box , with NO UPS label; only the label from the manufacturer. Remember, this label had only my address and the manufacturer address. So, I call my local UPS to see what they could do to help. Understandably, since there was no tracking number, there wasn't much they could do. The most I could do was give them a box description, my name, and the addresses on the label.

From a UPS customer to any employees that may read this: Have any of you been a part of an experience like this? If so, what was the protocol? Also, I just want to make clear that I am not , by any means, placing any blame on UPS. I understand that my incompetence led me to this.

If this contract passes, are you willing to vote out your officers as a consequence?

The Other Side — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 22:48:48 GMT

Specifically, in the Southwest, if this contract passes and is ratifified by the membership nationally, are you willing to replace/oust/remove or vote out your current local officers?

Lets take a look at the last two contracts they "SUPPORTED" and "RECOMMENDED" since 2008.

1) in 2008, they supported increasing the progression of part timers by 1 year. Costing part timers about 9K a year with that last jump of 12 months.

2) in 2008, they supported the split wages that cost all employees thousands of dollars each year.

3) in 2008, they allowed technology language into the national master that resulted in countless terminations for technology related offenses.

Now, in 2013, they have agreed to the largest CONCESSIONS in Teamster history with UPS.

1) Extending progression of part timers another YEAR, costing a part timer who goes full time approx. $15,000 in the last year.

2) Split wages again in year 4 and 5

3) The loss of our superior health care coverage that cost us next to nothing and replacing it with a plan that will cost us thousands of dollars.

4) increased language that benefits the company when dealing with technology.

5) package drivers who go feeder have to wait two years to get bump in pay.

6) lame 9.5 language that EXTENDS the time period to have a case settled and does not guarantee penalty pay.

7) retirees get slammed for health care costs then tossed out at 65.

With these CONCESSIONS in this contract, is it worth it to you to KEEP your local officers in place and give them a chance at a THIRD contract 5 years from now? Why would you trust that they will do any better than they have already demonstrated in these two contracts?

Are you willing to allow these officers to negotiate even further damage to our contract in the next negotiations?

The company has shown their cards this time around. In 1997, they raised the bet and Brother Ron Carey "called" their hand and we went on strike. The company folded their hand and we preserved our strong contract. In 2002, the contract came and went without notice. In 2008, the company set the stage for 2013 and these OFFICERS let it happen.

They have given up without a fight. They tossed the retirees under the bus and put the current employees on the curb waiting for the next bus.

Are you willing to publicly call out your officers for this "embarrassing" contract?

Or, are you willing to give them another chance to screw us totally in the coming years?

YOU HAVE A CHOICE.

If "WE" have to "PAY" , then "WE", collectively have to make them "PAY". This includes HOFFA if he doesnt come out and apologize for his poor leadership. This should be the next conversation we have on this contract. We didnt start this, "they" did. The local officers may think that "TIME" has cemented them into office, but "WE" ( the members of our locals) are either the cement makers or the JACKHAMMERS.

What do you say?

Peace

TOS

Shifting counts as "On Duty, Driving" time.

104Feeder — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 22:14:31 GMT

Check out Question 9's interpretation:

Interpretation for 395.2: - Federal Motor Carrier Safety AdministrationDidn't used to be an issue as you would might only jump in a shifter for a couple of hours after your 60th hour, but now we have runs that are half Shifting/half CPU's or Local turns. Technically your time spent spotting your trailers should be considered Driving time too.

Happy Father's day!

bleedinbrown58 — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:56:16 GMT

I hope all the dads on here are enjoying their father's day weekend.

Happy Father's day!

bleedinbrown58 — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:19:12 GMT

Just wanted to wish all the dads on here a Happy father's day.

Local 804 union dues rebate...urgent

enzo — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:16:15 GMT

Word on the street that a union dues rebate will be given to anyone working in the Mount Vernon building. Now that the building is quickly becoming nonunion, union dues will no longer be collected! We know this is a nonunion facility because: Outside nonunion workers are brought in to do porter work
Car washers have daily scheduled pickups
Suipervisors come to work in their browns like all the other drivers
A coupon signed by Hoffa jr. is required for this rebate.Void in N.Y. state, void after 5/31/2013

Now thats methods!

ORLY!?! — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:45:05 GMT

LiveLeak.com - Taiwan parcel delivery service.

No shirt, could be ACed and a very slow flow. Now these guys got it good.

Grandpa Preloader

Dr Greg — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:38:11 GMT

Earlier this year I turned 52. That easily makes me the oldest pre-loader at the hub I work at and probably the only grandpa in hub as well. It made me wonder if I am the oldest preloader in the company. So I ask you: how old is the oldest preloader in your center?

Thoughts on this?

Btn1969 — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:42:13 GMT

Change FedEx To Win

Drunken thoughts on the contract!

HubBub — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:41:00 GMT

Teamcare isn't going anywhere. Ultimately, it's in the best interest of the IBT as a whole (not just UPS Teamsters) as well as the company to remove this liability form the books. If the TA is voted down, Teamcare won't go away. If we want it to be better, we'll need bigger contributions from the company.

We won't strike. The big high hauncos Hall/Hoffa and such have made that clear, and I don't blame them. If I thought there was any chance we would actually strike, I would have voted "yes". The contract will be extended if need be. Amazon and all other big shippers know this. They'll leverage our negotiations to get better rates, but that will be temporary until we have an agreement in place. Volume might drop slightly, but not much or for too long. The negative effects of a strike/lockout would farrrrrr outweigh any potential gains. It would be stupid on both our (Teamsters) and the the companies' part.

4 year progression won't be reduced either. This is ultimately why I voted "no" as it has the biggest effect on me as a hopefully soon-to-be driver. Starting pay won't be raised from the proposal, and progression likely won't be accelerated. Keeping the exact pay and progression as the current contract would get me to switch my vote immediately (lower start, faster to top rate).

PT starting pay is fine at $10 and hour. Frankly, they could make it minimum wage in whatever given state and I'd be fine. It's a marathon not a sprint. If you want long-term security, you've got to be willing to sacrifice in the short(ish) term.

Sooo, what does the company come back with if the TA is voted down? I said in another thread a signing bonus and slight increase in H&W contributions. That would work for me. Bring Teamcare up a bit (it will already be pretty damn good imo) and give me a little extra spending cash for the end of summer. Hell, give me a turkey and I might come around. Or beer, or malt liquor, or actual liquor. Idk, this has gone on too long for a drunken post, I'm almost sober now! GAHHHHH!

Vacation

stepitup — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:35:01 GMT

Good Morning,

I am a driver, covered under Central States in the state of Michigan. There is discussion amongst us as to whether the hours we work in 2013 are the hours that accrue for vacation selection in 2014 or are they the hours for the weeks we selected in 2013. Our vacation schedule is from Jan 1 through December 31, with exception of peak. Your thoughts?

Kapa?

Loyal Teamster — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 04:19:25 GMT

I have heard this term several times, what's the meaning?

WAD IS___

MrFedEx — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 04:19:17 GMT

Fill in the blank.

Key fobs wearing out?

TooTechie — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 03:46:02 GMT

I've been in 3 trucks recently that had the keys put back on the keychain with the key fob because the fob was only working sporadically or not at all, or in one case only if you pushed hard on the very edge of the button on the right side...Anyone else noticing key fobs starting to break down? And is it the button going or batteries? Can the mechanics weigh in if they know?

It doesn't seem to be a big priority to anyone because I haven't seen the fobs replaced after I wrote them up on the dvir, just the keys put back on the rings.

Injury Reporting

Integrity — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 02:38:13 GMT

To All Management Employees,

Please take me through your response to the following circumstance:

An employee turns his ankle within 10 minutes he recognizes that this isn't a simple ankle roll that is not an injury. He recognizes he is injured.

Upon this recognition he immediately contacts you and he says the following, and nothing more:

"I was stepping down from my package car and I hurt my ankle?"

Please give a step by step account of how you would respond to this.

Sincerely,
I

Chains on package car doors? What is the problem here?

Integrity — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:31:30 GMT

To all package car drivers,

What's the deal?

A division manager reported in a Safety Committee meeting that he was observing vehicles leave the building and he observed 41% of the vehicles did not have the chain secured in the back.

Can anyone explain what would motivate someone to leave this unsecured?

Sincerely,
I

Time to mentor

alwaysoverallowed — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:22:03 GMT

Over the past few years I have bitched and moaned about the company and the work load, both here and at my center. But I was on vacation last week and I did some thinking. I would often times say to my on roads, center manager and other hourlies, "when you have a problem and you can't find the cause it is you that is the cause of your problem." While on vacation I realized I did too spent too much time complaining about the current state of our Company and my fellow Teamsters do I decided that when I came back I would take the lead and start mentoring the new drivers. The reason being is I have ten years in and at last eighteen to go and I'm going to have to count on these new guys to keep the company going after I'm gone. So in short instead of being Internet a-holes we should do more to mentor the newbies in our mold and not allow them to be number chasing robots which the what the Company wants them to be. Because the loader/driver/pt-sup you mentor could be your next On-road,CM,orDm.

Driver not able to return to work because not 100% and workmans comp is suspended.

Jeanclaude — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:14:10 GMT

I was injured on the job two years ago. The injury required an ankle fusion surgery. My ankle did not heal back enough for me to be 100% to return to work. I can walk but for no longer than twenty minutes at a time. My workmans comp is suspended and I cannot return back to work. Two years ago when I was injured I reported my injury within ten minutes. Supervisors failed to complete the required task of doing an injury report and continued to work me even after having knowledge of my injury. Eventually I could not perform my duties as a driver and had to get medical attention from my own doctor and was threatened with disciplinary action for insubordination for not being able to come to work due to my ankle injury that had progressively worsened after the initial injury date which by this time had been almost two weeks. This has been a long and drawn out process and I had every intention of getting back to work. Now my options are next to none. If anybody out there has any input on what the formalities are in dealing with this situation their input would be greatly appreciated. I am in my late thirties and have been an employee for going on eight years. Thanks

IF the contract is voted down, what issues do you think will be addressed?

brown_trousers — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:40:28 GMT

There are many issues in this tentative agreement that teamsters are disgruntled with. Which issues do you think will be addressed if any, when a new tentative agreement is drafted? Healthcare seems to be the big one, but I'm hearing complaints all over the board, ie.. starting wages, FT progression, raises, FT job creation, retirement.

And to add to that, how much do you think UPS would concede? My guess is that it will be proportional to the percentage of "no" votes. If the contract only loses by 5%, id bet UPS would only concede enough to sway 6% of voters back to a "yes" vote, it doesnt seem like that would motivate much improvement.

How does UPS insurance work currently?

Lionsblood24 — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:19:16 GMT

Just got re-hired yesterday (2 years prior) as a preload package handler, and can't really remember the way UPS insurance worked. There's also some striking and union issues that might have changed the game recently, or will soon. Does anyone know the time frame when dental, vision, and health insurance kicks in for PT, and if the plans are any good.

I'm graduating this Fall and the benefits sound good enough to stick around for a good while longer. I'm a web designer, and doing that contract and this on the side for benefits might be a winning combo and come out to about 40 hours a week and a living.

Syria

804brown — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:39:35 GMT

Hmmm, this administration is under attack for snooping into everyone's business by every electronic means available and now it seems to want to change the subject!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/world/middleeast/syria-chemical-weapons.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

When the contract is voted down it will be awesome!!

revitup — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:25:05 GMT

Teamsters can read!! teamsters can mail a letter!! I'm thinking 80% no!
I no of atleast 60 drivers/loaders voting no and not one yes. All these clowns on here talking up the yes vote are in management,like we don't know that.
The talk about a strike is a scare tattic,WE DON'T HAVE CAREY WE HAVE HOFFA.......THEY WILL GO BACK TO THE TABLE.
Can't wait to see what they change to sway the vote.. proud teamster

Driver dropped my glass door

jc0187 — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:01:44 GMT

Hello all. First post. Wish it was under better circumstances, but here goes...so I ordered 2 items from sears direct, one was a glass door for my kitchen stove and the other a bottom brace for the door. I was about 7 houses down walking my dog when the ups truck stopped by my house. When he exited the truck carrying my glass stove door it slipped out of his hands and crashed to my driveway. The driver picked it back up and put it back into the truck and grabbed the bottom brace. He walked to my doorstep and let my girlfriend sign for the package without saying anything to her about the glass door. I was about two houses down when he got back into his truck and drove off. I didn't realize that it was my glass door he dropped until I seen the glass sparkling on my driveway. I called the ups store and notified them. We opened a claim and the person I spoke to said both packages were listed as delivered. I'm just stunned that this happened. So, I'm asking if you guys ever own up to your mistakes? Am I out a $150 glass stove door? What do you all recommend? Thanks all.

How does one become a Steward?

Loyal Teamster — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 03:40:37 GMT

I'm interested in becoming a Steward, how does one apply? I believe I can improve my brothers working environment. I'd be a great representative & protect and my brothers.

Thanks,
Loyal Teamster

Sorting Test Tennessee

FLASH22 — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 03:36:30 GMT

Hey guys im new here here and ive got a question. I will be starting my training in a few days and I know i'm getting a little ahead of myself but I wanted to know from those who work at the tn hub what colors are used in the sorting test since im somewhat colorblind. I would appreciate any information. thanks.

And the hits just keep coming

stopsperhour — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 03:11:36 GMT

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-13/fedex-fights-u-s-in-online-pharmacy-probe-after-ups-deal.html

Couldn't believe my eyes

Bankrupt — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 02:22:50 GMT

Had

Fred's Conundrum With Senior Employees

MrFedEx — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 01:19:22 GMT

We all know Fred wants to get rid of senior, topped-out employees, but a lot of them are hanging around because they have to, not because they want to stay longer in FedEx hell. Why? Most cannot afford to retire. Even if they are under the Traditional Plan for the bulk of their retirement funding, that is still a piddly amount. And if they didn't do the 401k? They have even less to retire on. In other words, because he is so freaking cheap, Freddie gets to have 70 year-old couriers some day. Isn't that just swell?

The net result is that these people are staying and putting a kink in Fred's plan to re-invent the wheel into a square. Serves the old jerk right. Screw you, Smith!

Time it takes to make decent living

syracuseball — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:57:40 GMT

How long does it Typically take to start making a decent living at UPS. I am starting a a PT Package Handler, and was wondering how long it would typically take to start picking up various driving shifts. Thanks for your help

Censorship on Brown Café has Gone Overboard!

Hoffa SUX — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:54:58 GMT

Cheryl,

This website ridiculously censors people who do not agree with Hoffa, Hall, UPS management or any of their worthless followers!

Several people have been subjected to a moderator before their comments are posted simply because their Old Guard followers and Old Guard Moderators don't like what's posted about the corrupt leadership of the IBT under Hoffa and Hall.

Cheryl, I hope that you supervise your website in a more democratic manner and remove all your moderators.

Cheryl, you alone should be the sole moderator of this website. It is despicable what your moderators have been doing!

Best,

Hoffa SUX

Are part-timers required to "punch out" before using the "can"

rushfan — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:50:08 GMT

We are told as full-time drivers to go on break if we use the restroom. Are the part-timers required to do the same during their shift if they use the restroom while the sort is going on?

I'm taking too many breaks!

rushfan — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:46:33 GMT

I split up my 20 minute (that's what we get around here) into a variety of times. For example, I'll take a 5 minute break on my way down to my turn around...I will then split up the remaining 15 minutes in 5 minute increments. Those 5 minute nap breaks have helped me make it back to my domicile. I had a "virtual ride" and was told it was an unacceptable practice-and I was required to take my lunch at the UPS facility-problem is-I will not eat lunch in a locker room-don't like my food to smell like the crapper. Also, was told I was to punch out for break before driving under 2 miles to the place where I eat lunch-a DOT violation (driving a commercial vehicle without logging).

My point is, I've been around long enough to do the right thing-follow DOT rules. Also, I must be getting to be a "lifer" as being told that I am the "least best" doesn't bother me at all,

Staying an unloader

dukey24 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:07:36 GMT

I was hired as an unloader last year and I enjoy the job. I've tried loading and small sort too. If I was hired to unload, does that mean I will be one permanately or do they move you as time goes by

UPS inside sales representative (6 week training academy)

Jathur02 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 22:24:00 GMT

I just joined the forum today and look forward to reading/starting several posts on this board. I have searched through countless threads and didn't really see anything on the inside sales representative position at UPS. I have a phone interview coming up this week for a position half way across the country from where I live. I just wanted to know what life was like as an inside sales rep and if they money was pretty legit to consider re-locating half way across the United States. Has anyone been to the six week academy? What is it like? Any information would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to reading your responses.

Thanks.

SEX on UPS truck?

Loyal Teamster — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:06:43 GMT

Does this happen? Do women really love the shorts?

Thanks,
Local Teamster

Getting One With WAD

MrFedEx — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:35:06 GMT

Most of you know what WAD is, so I won't re-hash it here. However, it is important to "get one with WAD" and here's how you do it.

1. Pretend you're a 3rd grader,OR alternatively, pretend you're a manager. You have no sense of independence and self-direction. You must be told what to do on almost everything. This is critical.

2. With #1 firmly in-mind, force yourself to be stupid and clueless, even if you're an Einstein like Dano. No matter what, force management to TELL you what to do. This is the "directed" part of WAD. No thinking, no doing, even if it's completely obvious what the right thing to do is. Make THEM decide, even if you have to sit there for 20 minutes awaiting an answer, and then DO whatever it is they say, even if it's something Forrest Gump would reject as moronic.

3. Considering #1 and #2, cover yourself if whatever they're telling you to do is going to cause a problem. Send a message to dispatch that you will "miss the outbound CTV or aircraft", "have DEX 01s", or "missed or late pickups" and then CALL, text, or email your manager and tell them that their decision is going to have consequences. Then, just DO whatever stupid thing it is they asked of you. When you arrive back at the station 20 minutes after the CTV has left, just tell them, "I was working...as directed". Your CYAs have been sent and there is nothing they can do but try to undo the mess they have themselves created.

4. No longer care. They have tossed you in the dumpster, so why give a sheet about anything other than doing the absolute MINIMUM required to keep your job.

5. If you are done early, never help. Contemplate WAD at Starbucks, 7-11, or some other WAD Worship Center. Same for pickups. If you're heavy, work at your normal pace and create your CYA messages and calls early so you put the onus on them to fix it...EARLY. Not 1600. If you are light, slow your pace to get done at your normal time. After all, you wouldn't want to miss your designated RTB time, would you?

WAD. Get one with WAD because WAD cares and WAD is your friend.

How do we get a union?

unclefred — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:14:23 GMT

I was never for unions but need to know who to contact to get unionized, any suggestions?

Cut in hours, 1 hour breaks and no overtime

unclefred — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:11:39 GMT

As I read posts people are complaining we are led by morons, that is incorrect. We are led by calculated suits that could care less about their customers or employees but on how they will look! We suffer while they gain and no manager will stand up because we are not united!!! We need an up or down vote on the union. We need to protect ourselves after all they are protecting themselves. Wake up people we need to unite and that is the only way to beat them. If you like sitting on the road for an extra 30 minutes of unpaid break sweating your a%# off while the decision makers cash their bonus in their air conditioned office or creating a situation that kills whatever moral was left then sit this one out. I never wanted a union because I was drinking the Kool-aid and thought we would always have a job but not anymore. We need to unite!!!!!

Pension Increase

AznDiablo — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:26:06 GMT

If this contract passes do you think that people will retire in record numbers after January since the pension is going to increase?

How to become a small sort employee

Ashley22 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:32:13 GMT

Hello, I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and respond. I was hired by ups last year. I have been an unloader for 7 months now. I'd like to be moved to small sort. I'm a hard worker and the small sort supervisor has asked me to join his staff. Unfortunately, my unload supervisor also thinks I'm a hard worker and isn't willing to let me leave. There are other factors too; high turnover rates and possibly other people before me who want to do small sort. I am thinking about putting my two weeks resignation notice soon because I no longer want to unload or sort. What are the proper steps in becoming a small sort employee. Any advice? Thank you so much. I hope I have a reply or two when I return from work :)

First Resonders are a disgrace to the company.

Integrity — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:19:07 GMT

To all,

I am sorry for the harsh statement but it has been reported to Integrity that, generally speaking, the incompetence of the hourly first responders is wide spread.

Based upon what I have been told and my experience I find this to be a reliable report.

The way most first responders that I have seen approach their jobs is a disgrace.

It is a shame that the individuals who take the job most critical to the well being of their fellow employees care so little about doing the job as required.

If they truly don't want to do the job then they should have some integrity and just resign.

Sincerely,
I

I had a dream

TooTechie — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:15:45 GMT

Not the Martin Luther King kind but had my first ups driving dream last night. It was a weird one but the parts I remember...It was 5pm and for some reason I had been delivering the 5-8000 shelves first and I had the 1-4000 shelves of missed business and had over 100 stops left.

This is weird because A. I never remember my dreams or perhaps don't dream often...and B. I'm on vacation and haven't been thinking about work at all.

Oh, the other weird part is that one of the times I opened the rear doors it was a feeder inside instead of a package car....

New DOT hour of service question?

Micah — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:12:47 GMT

Do these rules apply to package car drivers? That 30 minute break before 8 hours may mess up some schedules if so. Also, is it 30 consecutive minutes or accumulated break minutes before hour 8?

Question 2, the 34 hour reset with two 1am-5am periods, does it have to be those full time slots? Example, I get off work (feeders) at 1:30am friday, can I not work again until 5am on Monday since I worked past 1am?

Just curious. Thanks.

Here is the new rules Summary of Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Advice on MAPP?

fatthief — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:33:57 GMT

I filled the application and now two months had passed and it is still pending on the initial assessment. What should I do?:angry: I have talked to the full time and they keep playing around with me . Should I quit?

Should "Loyal Teamster" otherwise known as jazhielcit2 be banned from BC

UPS Preloader — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:33:05 GMT

This guy is all over the place. First he was being targeted by his supervisor, then his brothers and sisters were lazy and useless. Then he was in love with UPS. Then he became a so called Loyal Teamster. Then he hated the company and started throwing all his brothers and sisters under the bus. Now he is discouraging new hires with blatant lies and threats. My question to you, should "Loyal Teamster" otherwise known as jazhielcit2 be banned from BC?

Waiting for jobs in JCATS

Molly1990 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:24:14 GMT

I am trying to transfer my job to San Diego and I'm waiting on positions to open up in jcats2 does anyone have any idea on how long I might have to to wait for position to open up in the San Diego area? If anyone here checks Jcats a lot how often do you see jobs in San Diego is kind of what I'm asking.

6 Locals in the Southwest, L-89 and L-177 Switching to NO 6 Years Later!

Hoffa SUX — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:11:40 GMT

The following locals voted like this in 2007:
Southwest Locals 63 (Riverside-San Bernardino); 104 (Arizona); 396 (Los Angeles); 542 (San Diego), 631 (Las Vegas); 952 (Orange County) :
4,196-1399
Local 89:
1,664-760
Local 177:
1,955-1,072
Total Votes:
7,815-3,231 for a total of 11,046.

The 11,000 that would have been needed to tilt the 2007 ratification NO are here in these 8 locals. These 8 locals are on superior Union Health Plans and have been campaigning hard for a NO vote!

Note that these areas voted overwhelmingly YES in 2007 and will vote overwhelmingly No this time around (2013) and in greater numbers because the word is out and people are enraged!

When A Traitor Is Really A Patriot

wkmac — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:01:40 GMT

Quote:

Ever since I was a kid, I have heard Americans ask, “How could the German people have allowed the Nazi regime to commit its evil acts?”
Well, here’s the answer to that question: The German people had the same warped and distorted concept of patriotism that American statists have today.
The overwhelming majority of German citizens believed that it was their moral duty to come to the unconditional support of their government in time of crisis, especially when the nation went to war. The good citizen didn’t question whether his government was right or wrong. The good citizen placed his trust in the judgment and decisions of his government officials, especially during crisis and war.
That’s what patriotism meant to the German people during the 1930s and 1940s. The good citizen — the one who deferred to authority — was considered the patriot.
What about German citizens who refused to defer to authority, those who had an independent mindset — those who would examine government policies with a critical eye — those who would question, challenge, and object to wrongful government policies? They were considered bad citizens — traitors.

Who Were the Patriots and Traitors in Nazi Germany?

UPS Mail Innovations

Ghost in the Darkness — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 02:11:33 GMT

Who delivers UPS mail innovations?

Will i be called for next season

davidmex — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:30:20 GMT

last season I worked helping a driver deliver boxes. Will I be called again this December? can I get called before or do I need to apply at a job fair again. please help me figure this out. I want to work more than 1 month, how can I do that.

Couriers turning on each other

Bankrupt — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:28:56 GMT

We will never unite at our location, the backstabbing, refusing to help one another is full blown here way to go Fred u suck ass

Is the troll

TooTechie — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:03:57 GMT

So is the troll just clicking like on every post in his dumb thread about how to piss off a driver so that it shows up on the right column under most liked threads? Me thinks so.

ban_him_sm1.jpg

Attached Images

ban_him_sm1.jpg (32.0 KB)

local 710

Eman1978 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:52:54 GMT

Last week in our morning PCM they said that 710 has reached an agreement and that ballots were on their way. Has anyone received their ballot yet?

Technology Jobs at FedEx??

mm92280 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:51:58 GMT

So, I know we have a lot of drivers, loaders, sorters, etc here on the FedEx forum and over on the UPS forum as well but I am a bit curious - do we have any FedEx technology workers here? I am in the IT field (government) but have been curious about the technology work at FedEx but haven't found a lot of insight into the work and the culture on that side of the fence (granted, I haven't dug all that hard on the 'net), so I figured I would check here. Obviously, I can see how things appear to be from a driver and loader perspective and it doesn't sound too good but the technology work still sort of interests me. Anyone here with experience on that side of the company?

Francis is Angry

Loyal Teamster — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:15:46 GMT

lol

Thanks,
Loyal Teamster

Forget what the low level officers are saying... WHERE'S HOFFA??

The Other Side — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:00:35 GMT

With all the controversy surrounding this T.A. ( proposed contract ) where is JIMMY HOFFA? Why isnt HOFFA out front speaking about this contract from state to state? Why isnt HOFFA out here in the WEST explaining with some certainty, the circumstances surrounding the DECREASE in health coverage and INCREASE in costs for us in the southwest?

Why isnt he out there speaking about the strength of the new language and highligting those strengths to everyone? Why isnt HOFFA's name being associated with this proposal??

Well, the answer is simple. THIS CONTRACT SUCKS, and "HE" knows it.

HOFFA is looking for political cover by separating himself from the contract.

Like him or not, RON CAREY was out on the front lines in 1997 when times were tough. Brother CAREY went from state to state speaking long before we went on strike. He made the efforts to connect to the membership and unite us all. This kind of leadership won this strike in 1997 and today, "WE" are without this kind of leadership. TDU or not, crimes or not, Brother CAREY demonstrated the kind of leadership this union needed during the 1997 negotiations.

TODAY, we havent heard a BLIP out of HOFFA. We know he cant explain this contract to us without having to acknowledege that "HE" and HALL sold us out.

We are attacking each other on this board, in the yards and on social media. This can be 100% blamed on Jimmy Hoffa's lack of leadership.

Now, we are stuck with low level officers attempting to give us the song and dance and misinformation that keeps us fighting with each other. One thing is for sure, UPS is laughing at us all.

How do you feel being the butt of the joke now?

Peace

TOS

Advice For New kids wanting to join UPS.

Loyal Teamster — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:03:12 GMT

if you are under 23 years old and want to join UPS, I feel obligated to warn you, and think carefully about pursuing a career with UPS.

Don't Apply, Trust me you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Once your in, we won't let you get out. We will take advantage of your young age and work you till we break you. We like the young kids especially if they don't go to college, cus they'll be stuck with us for the rest of their life, because work skills and knowledge gained here can't be applied in most jobs in America.

There are much better less back breaking jobs out there with competitive pay.
Your better off joining the Military & retire in 20 years, than Join UPS break your back for at least 13 years loading and drive for 30 years to retire at 65.

I see to many 27-35+ year old losers working preload with no chance of progression. they've been loading trucks for over 7 years and still have insufficient seniority to become full time drivers. Most full time drivers hate their jobs, but its all they know how to do. Just read the threads and find out yourselves.

Thanks,
Loyal Teamster

Hands Down to the f***'n trolls that will argue my point without reasoning.

A New Letter Writing Campaign

MrFedEx — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:59:46 GMT

A while back, there was a post advocating writing a letter to Fred. While well-intentioned, since Fred is the mastermind behind all of this, he will simply toss your letter...if it even gets to him.

We really need to send letters and emails to the media, especially pertaining to the speedup of work and the resultant lack of safety. There have been a lot of employees hurt or killed, but there have also been a lot of innocent motorists and pedestrians. The media needs to know what FedEx is doing, why it's dangerous, and why it's newsworthy.

What happens if you get killed or seriously hurt? FedEx Legal will make sure that it's a Workers Comp issue, so you or your survivors will not get a big payout. They will say something like "operating a commercial motor vehicle is dangerous and when you took the courier job, you willingly assumed that risk". Statistically, operating a CMV IS dangerous, but pushing people to the wall every day is making it extremely dangerous. The media needs to be made aware that FedEx is putting the PUBLIC at-risk in addition to it's own employees through it's dangerous business practices.

If it ever gets to the media, FedEx will trot-out the PR team, who will say that we are always told to "be safe"...blah, blah, blah and feign ignorance of the situation they have put us in. Remember, all they really care about is minimizing their exposure and potential payout. This is where your emails and letters put a human face on this fiasco, and a face on the victims. Most of them will get paid-off to keep their mouths shut, but you won't.

I've been sending correspondence for a year or more, with no response. But it's easy to write one letter writer off as a disgruntled employee. It's harder when there 1,000 letters saying the same thing, and local newspaper and TV stories about how FedEx ran someone over, T-boned a car, or blew through a red light at 10:27am.

I urge you to do something in your own behalf and on behalf of the future potential victims of FedEx. What they are doing is unsafe, immoral, and unethical. Don't be like them....do something instead to change the future for someone who doesn't need to get hurt or die because Fred wants to make more money.

Massive layoff?

fedupped — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:56:20 GMT

It looks like Fedex is able to divert much of the freight these days to ground, home etc. There are heavy days followed by extremely light days. Like someone is playing with the system. Add to that the continued hiring of part time workers. Kind of like having a strike force ready to fill in but only having to cover 17 hours of pay till needed. And heap on top of that DRA which is supposed to free up mgrs from rt balancing while providing any courier a step by step road map of an area. So you (evil fred) continue to manipulate the flow of pkgs until your sure ground can handle the bulk, then when you have raped the express side, you can show the losses and pkg decrease necessary to get a sympathetic mass layoff of older topped out drivers. Once the new lower paid drivers are in place you can start to re-balance the work flow. .. ? ..:knockedout:

To FedEx Management:

Epoisode7 — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:02:53 GMT

Here is one example I have of misallocation of resources, followed by my address to anyone at FedEx bothering to read this drivel. Maybe a contractor or FedEx manager can explain this to me, concerning disputed deliveries. I worked a very s***ty route. I learned very quickly that FedEx will not back you up in any regard. I hate FedEx, but I am no slouch. I delivered everything right, and cut no corners. I rarely brought back packages, and never had any misdeliveries. I'd get about 2 or 3 disputed deliveries every month, and I couldn't figure out why. I always dropped at the right house and if in doubt I'd go back, and more often than not, the disputes happened in the hood, so I figured they were just being stolen or the customer wanted something for free. The terminal manager would make me contact the customer, and for some reason, go out to the house and leave a door tag. I have no problem contacting the customer, explaining I dropped the package and don't know what happened from there. It infuriated me that I had to go back to the house (not a short distance on my route) and leave a door tag. It wasted 30 minutes of my day, every time I got a dispute. Anyway..... here's what I need an answer on.

Disputes continued, on average about 3 per month. I wised up and started taking pictures of every single package I delivered where I felt a dispute would arise. The pictures on my phone always showed the box at the door, the address on the house, and I'd try to angle it a bit so the "G" or "H" was visible on the label, as well as the date and time stamp on the photo. Sure enough, I received two disputes one week, and I had photos of the deliveries the week prior. The terminal manager would not accept this as proof that they were delivered and still strongly "suggested" I go out to each house and leave a door tag. I told him no, as this would have been 45 minutes wasted on a day when I was heavy. I called the customers and told them I delivered their stuff, had proof, and it was stolen or gone. Why the waste of resources and the plain idiocy? WHY DOES FEDEX STILL INSIST I AM TO BLAME, WITH THE TRUTH STARING THEM IN THE FACE? They seem to want to do anything to shift blame away from them, away from the customer, all on to me. Ironically, I had my "surprise" quarterly inspection the next day, after my van was loaded. One of my green ground stickers had a small hole in it. He made me get a patch for it in town before I could leave. That hole had been there the past 11 months of inspections with him.

TO FRED: Sorry to disturb your golf game and/or your private tour of Doilywood, but if you're out there (or one of your 19 year old interns) I hope you read this and all other posts on this board! Your slave arm of FedEx (Ground) is full of good, hard working people. But it's also full of scum and corruption. More than that, it's full of mismanagement of resources and bad decision making. The millions or billions you save because your cheap ass doesn't want to provide benefits and a living wage to workers is less than what you would save if you had good frontline people to begin with. YOU LOSE MORE MONEY BY WASTING RESOURCES, AND YOU DESERVE LOSING ALL OF IT! Freddy, I would love to see UPS gobble your entire company up. I would love to see Congress or some government agency fine you into oblivion. But more than that, I would love to see you sink yourself. Your current practices with Ground are sending you down that path, albeit a slow one. If you do somehow stay in business, I hope the big unions of this country twist, pillage, and rebuild your slave empire into something you only saw in your nightmares. A union controlled, fair wage paying company with benefits, pensions and time off. A place where you and the managers have to negotiate with the very people you despise just to even stay in business. Have a pleasant day.

Been there a year how does this contract help him?

ogrelord — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:31:19 GMT

So what happens to the guy that's been here a year and is making 10.50$? Is he just going to get the shaft when it comes to pay? or find out he now has a insurance deductible that will go up too 400$ in 4 years

I've seen time and time again, that your not suppose to support your family working part time.
How does this contract help the guys who have been here 5 to 6 years and it's still another 4 or 5 till they drive? and then 4 more years for progression?

If it's all about you? then we know how we got here...

Liberty Mutual Workers Comp

southtomidwest — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:25:34 GMT

So I am learning that knee problems are common at UPS but it seems to be an issue for supervisors at UPS and Liberty Mutual to believe their employees. My bf has a cyst in between is knee joint and some sort of meniscus tear which causes swelling every now and then. At first no supervisor believed him even after arguing with the supervisors where he stated thet he comes to work everyday and never complains but can't catch a break when a knee issue comes up.

The union doctor did an MRI scan and claimed he was fine. He got a second opinion with his primary doctor and there was an obvious issue. This doc gave Liberty Mutual information but apparently it wasn't enough and his claim for surgery was denied. His doc refused to help any further so as time goes on his pain is getting a bit more painful and UPS is allowing him to have a lower step in the trucks at at times (not a lot) he receives lighter loads.

He sees another doc who says physical therapy would only delay the real issue and sends info to Liberty Mutual. Liberty Mutual sends him to their own doc as well. Even with the MRI scans and info from the doc who feels surgery is neccasary the claim is denied again. no telling what the Liberty Mutual doctor said. The oapers said something about false/negative results.

Will he have to wait until he can no longer walk to get some relief? Some people who he works with have had no issues with claims but I'm unclear if it is because they got the "right injury", luck or they were to the point of no return if they continued without medical attention. What should he do?

Sorry such a long message.

Secure the border first

Wally — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:14:21 GMT

We tried this before under Reagan. Blanket amnesty for all illegals. Oh sure, we'll secure the borders later... Never happened. Now, they want to do it again. Millions and millions, great for wage suppression and government assistance. Country club GOP type wants cheap labor and Dems want votes. Working middle class (especially union workers) lose.

Why I joined UPS.

Loyal Teamster — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:47:59 GMT

MY VIEW OF UPS:
Second best company
10 Companies With Great Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Reality

https://ups.managehr.com/earn-and-learn-program.htm

"Wouldn't it be great to earn $15,000 for your college education?"
-YES IT WOULD

"Join the UPS team in a part-time position and you can do just that"
- OK I WILL

"Available in 51 UPS locations across the nation"
- Turns out my Hub like Hundreds of others isn't one of those 51. They should be listed.

"The Earn and Learn program is just one way we aim to help employees make their world work better"
-You mean less than 5% of your Employees.?

Why did YOU JOIN?

Thanks,
Loyal Teamster

find out about My retirement

mevia — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:41:25 GMT

How to find out about My retirement from 1976 to 1989 i worked part time retirement

TDI Temporary Disability Income

browned out — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:54:00 GMT

Does anyone know if we still have the TDI that pays up to 70% of your income if you are on short term disability? I was getting $260 a week from Aetna for full time short term disability. I just read the plan summary and it has this TDI in it. Has anyone received this TDI lately. I am calling UPS HR to ask about it tomorrow. It was very difficult to get by on aprox. $260 a week. Just wondering in advance of my talking with HR. Thanks

question about teamcare enhanced healthcare plan

ls6-m22 — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:33:14 GMT

I went to a contract discussion today and my union rep told me that the annual deductibles that I never had under the ups plan would only have to be met for major medical. I think that's wrong . He said if I go for an annual check up all I would pay out of pocket is $10 copay. I asked about lab work and he said no deductible unless its major medical. Is this true?

Check ride

Bankrupt — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:41:52 GMT

When's the last time anyone had one? Been at least 2 yrs for me. Got one when my current mgr got here. Gave him commentary bs the whole time about my driving habits, let him know when I was speeding so I could make service (that prob messed w him a little) I even had one of my customers give him hell about our service when we have late freight(prearranged that) haven't had that moron ride w me since

A video of one of my wife's songs.

Tough Guy — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:28:35 GMT

Hey guys, this is a link to my wife performing one of the songs she wrote. She's recorded stuff in the past, even had a radio play or two a few years back, but this is her first stab at a video. Figured I'd share it with the UPS community, if anybody fancys giving it a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Iy1jqSL8g&feature=share

Thanks all

To the yes voters.

East coast navy — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:47:48 GMT

The yes voters pray this passes. If it gets voted down and we get something better. Will you thank us no voters? Think out side the box. Past health care. Maybe better raises.

Interview attire

My little pwny — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:36:22 GMT

Like the title says, it is for a fed ex temporary driver position. I don't think a suit is appropriate I was thinking khakis and a nice dress shirt with dress shoes. Would that be good?

Also am I going to be doing any physical activity or just talking?

Thanks!

How long before they just give up and layoff couriers?

Bankrupt — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:28:13 GMT

There is no freight coming into our sta anymore. I have an extended area and was back in less than 8 yest and today. At least 30% were back and gone before me will a few more rolling in before I clocked out. We have no open pup routes and easily 2 more swings than necessary (lots of guarantee pay I presume) I just don't see how they can continue to pay people for not working much longer. Similar anywhere else out there in express land?

Start Documenting Everything You Can

MrFedEx — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:04:17 GMT

It should be obvious that FedEx has declared open warfare on the employee. That's nothing new, but it's reached a new level of ridiculous, and you need to protect yourself. I know that I have talked about this before, but it bears repeating. DOCUMENT everything you can. Take pictures, get airbill numbers, and record meetings where managers say things that might incriminate them. If you can't figure out how to record it on your smartphone, take names, times, and dates where management breaks policy, encourages breaking policy, or puts employees into situations where you know they have to "cheat" to get it done.

When you get suspended pending termination, or are terminated and are seeking unemployment...be prepared for the fight of your life. FedEx will use every bit of information they have against you, and will dig-up anything and everything to use against you. If you don't believe me, talk to anyone who has been up against FedEx.

They are actively on the hunt for you, so do the smart thing and get as much information as you can to protect yourself. Dirt is good, and most managers have some. So is unequal discipline. For example, at my station, certain couriers drive around the station with a Bluetooth on, even though cellular communication is strictly forbidden by company policy. Even managers do it as they drive out of the lot, presumably on the phone. Think they'd use that against you if they needed to? You bet. Wouldn't it be great to have a picture or video of your manager on the phone while driving in this situation?

There is so much you can do to protect yourself and have some "insurance", but only if you are smart. Be smart.

Cell phones and electronic devices in the UPS facility

mixyo — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 01:02:02 GMT

Need some clarification on this. I was always under the impression (or told at some point?) that cell phones/electronics were NOT allowed inside the UPS facility. However I have started noticing other preloaders listening to iPods and part-time sups using personal cell phones. There have even been picture taken from inside package cars posted on this forum. So are cell phones and other electronic devices allowed? What are the restrictions (if any; such as taking pictures)? Consequences?

Part-time supervisor battling with Integrity in the unload.

Integrity — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:46:11 GMT

To all,

For discussion:

A newly promoted idealistic unload part-time supervisor desires to fight with Integrity in his operation.

He recognizes that this is a battle he will probably not win but he has decided to stand by his integrity even if it costs him his job.

He has decided that to establish credibility in his area he must make safety and package handling the priorities respectively.

Egress and package care are going to be the elements that he addresses first because he has identified these as the elements that are most chronically violated and can be deemed least best.

His plan will unfold as follows:

He will PCM his entire operation and he will inform them of his plan and follow up with instructing them as to what is expected of them by UPS training in regards to egress and package handling compliance.

He fully intends to apply progressive discipline to each of his unloaders that fail to take him seriously and fail to do what is expected of them.

Well, as you probably know, as soon as the PCM is over and the sort begins it isn't 5 minutes before he sees violations.

It is actually so bad that every one of his unloaders in his area are in violation of both elements chronically throughout the evening.

He wants to immediately address this issue and his full-time sup is not real supportive and a bit angry about the lack of flow coming from the unload but he proceeds to get the shop steward to address the issue anyway.

He goes door to door with the shop steward and reviews the situation with each unloader and gives them a courtesy heads up that the next infraction will have to be a verbal warning of more significant discipline and that this conversation will be document in their file.

His operation was a mess, the flow was horrible, everyone was mad, (his unloaders, the shop steward, his full-time sup and the preload manager) and it only gets worse.

What do you think happens next?

Sincerely,
I

What happens when air is late in your building? Punch out and then back in?

Billy Boxtosser — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:24:43 GMT

When management knows air will be late they come around and ask if anyone on the preload is willing to stay buts we have to punch out and wait until the air arrives and then punch back in. Then when all the preloaders refuse they claim it is an "emergency" situation and management sorts and shuttles air out.
I was off my 2nd job today so I decided to stay. I told the center manager that when I worked in Ohio before my transfer we never were made to punch out. I asked him if I punched back in then I should be guaranteed another 3.5 hours and he just laughed....called it "supplemental" work!
So I at least witnessed 3 of the managers working to catch everything off the belt since this time since we still did not have enough people.
How does this work in your buildings?

Received new ballot in mail today. Mistake in old ballot.

40 and out — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:36:03 GMT

Mailing says local rider with old ballot is incorrect. I have zero confidence that this vote will be done accurately. Maybe its just an honest mistake but it ain't looking good.

How to piss off a Driver?

Loyal Teamster — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:13:54 GMT

He's always complaining about having too much work, he believes not having a clear walkway is too much work.
How can I piss off my driver without getting in trouble? What are some little things that really piss off a driver?
Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Loyal Teamster

If You Are A Phillies Fan.....

APettyJ — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:55:07 GMT

Go Phillies! Beat The Giants! Leave Mets Unknown!

Get Close.

Position feet.

Bend at Knees

Test Weight

Grab opposite corners

Lift with smooth and steady motion

Move feet; pivot or step.

Use existing equipment and facilities to assist with lift.

Liked this little ditty by C.Edwards (he claims to come up with stuff like this because ironically he feels he isn't "smart enough" to remember these lists. Really, C?)

Package Car rainy days

Wally — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:06:17 GMT

How do you stay dry on rainy days? Anyone use an umbrella?

Our VERY expensive health care system

804brown — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:01:26 GMT

The $2.7 trillion Medical Bill

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/health/colonoscopies-explain-why-us-leads-the-world-in-health-expenditures.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Snowden: american hero

804brown — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:59:10 GMT

FOCUS | Edward Snowden: Saving Us From the United Stasi of America

If Hoffa/Hall want a yes vote...

Atomic_Smurf — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:17:17 GMT

Thinking about this contract & the possible ramifications of voting NO & it occurred to me that the only way to save our healthcare at UPS is to repeal the legislation that is guaranteeing it's demise. The company didn't want to be left holding the liability of paying for a specific plan as prices are expected to increase over 100% in some areas when Obamacare takes full affect in 2014. This increase in premiums isn't without cause. The increase is because those that pay health insurance premiums will suddenly be paying for those that do not. The redistribution of healthcare if you will. As UPSers organize to vote "NO" all over the country, Hoffa/Hall need to think about fixing the problem they created by reversing their stance & calling for the full repeal of the Affordable Care Act. It's the only chance we have of saving our healthcare & the only way I'll consider voting yes. Its time for them to man up for their mistakes & remember who they represent. It's time they take a stand for the working class, rank & file Americans that pay their salaries.

Preparing for first interview/tour PT package handler

looms — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:01:19 GMT

Hello all, I have an appointment tomorrow and I just want to ask a few questions and possibly get some input/tips from you guys. So I am planning on wearing dark gray jeans along with just a plain white or black t shirt and dress shoes. Is that okay? I also want to ask if I should bring my resume with me or is that different for every station? I remember the webpage that says not to bring any personal items and I'm not sure if the resume counts as one or not. I appreciate the responses guys.

Am I getting paid right?

Logb17 — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:55:32 GMT

So I went from working pt to ft driving a year and half ago. They red circled me at utility rate of 23.40 since I drove utility and did saturday air. My question is my Saturday air rate was 24.30. Shouldn't I be receiving the higher rate. I had problems trying to find this in the contract. Also from how it sounds I should be getting raises with the Utility rate. In the contract it says a utility driver going full time receives utility rate. Nothing about being red circled there. Utility has gone up 1..50 or so since I started. Another utility driver that started under me is making 25.xx and im stuck at 23.40, seems odd..

Is Jefferson Hub hard to deal with?

Kimball401 — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:19:04 GMT

Im a new rehire here (driver helper now loader/unloader) and this question has been on my mind for the longest. Is Jefferson really hard to work out of or can i treat it like a casual go with the flow type thing?

the last thing my driver told me before we left each other was " if you make it down there be prepared to work you *ss off and don't be scared to get yelled at.

Should I expect the last one ^^^ sense i saw that on the overnite tour ? but what can i expect besides the earn and learn and some discounts lol

When TA fails will we meet the July 31st deadline?

UPSgooregonDucks — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:46:37 GMT

I hope this TA doesn't pass for its full of garbage, But in the case the TA does fail what is the process for a better TA, what is an estimated timeline for a new TA to be ratified, I want this tentative agreement declined, but would that mean no contract by July 31st?

Driving

whome — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:21:06 GMT

Looking to start Saturday air driving but don't know how to drive manual. Knowbdy I know has a manual car, so any tips on hat to do..who would I talk to to do Saturday air

Is there a link to the proposed contract?

Shiftless — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:30:40 GMT

I am retired. Have a dog in the fight! I can't vote! I do not even get the Master agreement or Regional stuff sent to me on the contract!

I see Cheryl has posted the 2007 - 2013 contract as a sticky on top of this page.

Any chance there is a link that can be provided on this contract that is being voted on?

In advance THANKS!

Except for the Boobus, Solar Power Not being Laughed At

wkmac — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:23:44 GMT

Quote:

Solar power and other distributed renewable energy technologies could lay waste to U.S. power utilities and burn the utility business model, which has remained virtually unchanged for a century, to the ground.

That is not wild-eyed hippie talk. It is the assessment of the utilities themselves.

Back in January, the Edison Electric Institute — the (typically stodgy and backward-looking) trade group of U.S. investor-owned utilities — released a report [PDF] that, as far as I can tell, went almost entirely without notice in the press. That’s a shame. It is one of the most prescient and brutally frank things I’ve ever read about the power sector. It is a rare thing to hear an industry tell the tale of its own incipient obsolescence.

Solar panels could destroy U.S. utilities, according to U.S. utilities

Andy Marshall and the Wild Wild West!

Hoffa SUX — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 02:29:46 GMT

Audience do not allow yourselves’ to be fooled by Andy Marshall and his agenda. Andy claims that he almost resigned as Chair of the Western Conference—but he didn’t. Gee I wonder why? Well who would have paid him $42,973 for giving up two of the biggest concessions in the last contract, 22.3s and the 9.5s. Mr. Marshall claims that he’s like us, but he’s not us. He collects three salaries and three pensions. Its suppose to be about the members, to Andy Marshall it’s about Andy Marshall. Do not allow this "used car salesman" to sell you a Cadillac when its a Pinto!

Any L710 drivers in the Chicago area out here

Mike57 — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 02:09:56 GMT

If there is a L710 driver at Hodgkins please PM me..

Express Boxes for Ground shipments

mixyo — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:12:36 GMT

I noticed on the UPS Express boxes, it says: "Do not use this box for: UPS Ground, UPS Standard, UPS 3 Day Select" yet as a preloader I always see these boxes being used for regular ground shipments. So what's the deal? Does UPS not enforce these rules?

I know how much everyone just loves a stupid question...

bleedinbrown58 — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 18:25:17 GMT

So I warned you lol. The bags that the smalls come off the feeders in...as a loader, we never had to deal with them until a few yrs ago when this post office (bleep) started. Why are they call forever bags? I've never heard that term in my hub.

Vote Count

Stink219 — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 18:05:36 GMT

We have all these posts about vote yes, vote no, pass, fail, percentages, etc. I'm not sure if this was handled already but whether you agree or disagree with the tentative agreement, What do you think the number of voters will be this contract versus last contract? Please leave all of your personal feelings aside.

Its a no vote in philly!!

article22 — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 15:46:12 GMT

Predicting a 90% no!!!! You would have to be a clown to vote yes on this ta!!

Philly building collapse

toonertoo — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 13:35:02 GMT

Operator in Philly collapse deaths surrenders - US news | NBC News
I wonder how many of us would be allowed on the road if we showed up looking stoned, drunk, disheveled.

Driver Told He Is Stealing If Drives 54 MPH in A 55 MPH Zone

orangputeh — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 13:04:42 GMT

driver told he is "stealing from company" if he continues to drive 54 in a 55 zone in a feeder truck.

the converse, then , is true. most of our feeder drivers drive 59-60 in California which is a 55 zone for trucks. this is "stealing" too. they use more fuel, wear out tires and brakes faster, cause more wear and tear , by going faster. but they are never spoken to.

we have had four drivers fired for stealing time. 2 got their jobs back but 2 did not.

but if you use one of those brown UPS pens off duty you are "stealing" too. if you pick up a screw off the company grounds you are stealing. if you talk to a buddy about the NBA finals on company time. supervisors watch you-tube videos on company time. there are hundreds of examples.

the hypocrisy makes me sick.

What do you suggest?

Littlemaker — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 06:20:45 GMT

So I was an off the street hire about two years ago and my knees and lower back are going south fast, especially my knees. They are always cracking and popping none stop, they feel very very tight, a little swollen and I have a steady warm burning sensation about 75 percent of the time. Im 28 and have always considered myself athletic and never had any health issues or anything that has slowed me down. At 5'9" and 160 pounds its not like im out of shape. I try to work at a good clip but nothing crazy and follow all the methods....walk at brisk pace, 3 points of contact, working in my power zone..blah blah. Love the job and want/need to be here for 25 more years.

So whats the correct way of bringing this up to management? Do I even need to do that before I see a specialist? The few doctors that I have talked to were just the general doctor that I see on the weekends so of course they didn't know much which is why I want to go to a specialist. I really dont want to piss anyone in the hub off but at the same time I got to protect myself. So whats the standard operating procedure here and do you have any tips that have worked for you?

My Working Conditions

Code 82 Approved — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 06:08:34 GMT

(Shared with my friends elsewhere)

I want to tell you all a bit of something. I work very hard and I deliver a load of packages. I think my life is hard sometimes, because my boss expects excellence, and deserves such effort. Nothing is as hard as me on myself. I expect better than excellence. For those of you who know me professionally, well you see my effort and commitment. For those of you who once knew me, here's where I am.

I guess the point of this is really take pride in what you do, because it just makes for a better day when you wake, and love it. I'm in year 7 at FedEx Ground, and honestly, I can't think of a better place to work.

Favorite Grafitti

orangputeh — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 03:57:54 GMT

all of us have to use public restrooms and with that comes some very interesting and hilarious graffiti. what is some of your favorites?

mine is "Lassie Kills Chickens"

God bless

407steward — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 01:32:18 GMT

If I've called anyone any names in the mist of this contract stuff I appologize. I wish others could stop with the name calling. Just because someone votes yes or no we should refrain from the name calling. Sorry if I offended God bless.

Any news on Best practice payouts? haha

fedupped — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 01:25:49 GMT

???

Driver store near Worldport

Cupid — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 22:21:57 GMT

I have heard that there is a store just for UPS drivers that sells driver uniforms and other accessories near the Louisville Worldport hub in Kentucky.

Does anyone know what the address for it is?

I am a driver and would like to visit it sometime.

Thank you very much.

Shoes

TooTechie — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 20:50:21 GMT

We've had plenty of threads about shoes with lots of opinions. I'm specifically wondering if any drivers have tried Skechers work sneakers and your experience with them.

I've tried several types of work shoes and so far Skechers work shoes have done the best for me, but even those only lasted 2 months and I needed gel work insoles to make them comfortable.

I'm tired of buying shoes every other month and tired of buying insoles every 3 weeks. Being on new driver pay I don't have the money to drop a couple bills on shoes.

Anyone tried these? I just ordered them on Amazon for only $45 and I didn't have to pay tax or shipping.

Amazon.com: Skechers for Work Men's Keystone Sneaker: Shoes

Tennis

moreluck — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 19:53:15 GMT

Serena Williams wins French Open women's title | Fox News

De-contenting Express

MrFedEx — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 19:27:03 GMT

I've mentioned it before, but Fred has really accelerated the pace of de-contenting at the Express opco. De-contenting is usually used in the manufacturing-type industries, and it is basically a cheapening of the product by substituting lower-quality materials or processes and then attempting to market the product at the same price as before, supposedly to boost profits, which it does, but only until consumers discover they've been conned.

GM did this to it's vehicles in the late 70's and through the mid 80's...with disastrous results. GM already had a shaky reputation, and when they started de-contenting their vehicles, their reputation sunk like a stone. Remember some of the tricks? Lighter-gauge sheet metal, elimination of steps in the painting process, particle board interior panels and many other steps that created really crappy cars. Plus, they assembled them with terrible quality control, with poorly-fitting body panels, drippy paint jobs, and mis-matched interior panels. Finally, GM figured it out and started building better products. But there are a lot of people who were burned who will never buy GM again...an expensive lesson.

I see many parallels at FedEx. As they gut the quality out the company as quickly as they can, they are also cutting costs. But at what expense long-term? We insiders know that FedEx is a joke these days when it comes to providing superior service, but the public doesn't...not yet at least. I see the day coming where FedEx "pulls a GM", and then spends the next 20 years trying to rebuild a decent reputation.

Change if address

Eric Hodge — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 18:18:30 GMT

What is the procedure for changing address online

As of Today, Do You Feel the TA Will Pass or Fail?

over9five — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 18:12:16 GMT

Right now, will it pass or fail?

First-world problems

soberups — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 18:06:04 GMT

Our washing machine took a dump on us last weekend. Today was the first day that our local repairman could get out here to fix it, so this whole last week we have been operating under "laundry famine" conditions. I have a few older uniforms that are kind of threadbare but still wearable, so I pressed them into service. It was also a good excuse to go to the store and buy some new undies. Also had to hang up a couple of towels and reuse them. My wife was also able to get by with some older clothes in the back of her closet. She has to go in to work today, so now that the repairman has left with $250 of my money I get to spend an entire freaking Saturday grinding through a giant backlog of laundry. I was kind of pissed about it until, while channel surfing, I saw one of those documentaries about people in 3rd world countries who have to walk for miles in the desert with jugs on top of their heads in order to find clean water. Kinda puts my "problem" in perspective.

Decision Points: George W. Bush

browniehound — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:12:26 GMT

Has anyone read it? I'm 9/10's of the way through it and really liked it. I understand many people hate our 43rd president and that he was very unpopular for most of his 2nd term. However, after reading his autobiography I have great respect for him.

People say he's stupid. These people are ignorant because he's a exceptionally smart man.

I'm not going to go on a rant about "W" but I did want to mention a couple of things. Were you not relieved that Bush was president on 9/11 and not Al Gore?

Yes, there were no weapons of mass destruction (every intelligence report that crossed his desk said otherwise) in Iraq, but did there really need to be? The Iraq war rid the world of a ruthless dictator that supported terrorism against the USA, that threatened its neighbors in the middle east, and who gassed hundreds of thousands of his own people. The world is a much better and safer place because of the war. There is now a free, democratic Iraq where before there was millions of Iraqis living in constant fear of this animal...

Calling the Vote

Can You Come Back? — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:05:29 GMT

I've been reading, watching, listening, and talking about this contract.

Many think it'a a done deal.

Ratification of this contract is far from a sure thing.

The vote will be alarming.

If it goes down, which I believe it will, there will be limited time for renegotiations. I'm sure we would continue to work past July 31 with retroactive benefits.

If it passes, we need a recount with a 4th "impartial" party observing.

Anyway, I'm calling it. It's a big fat NO and UPS/Teamsters are making headlines.

Sad, but both sides made the bed that the member/employees must sleep in.

How do you think the new 9.5 language will affect your center?

undies — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 16:29:43 GMT

Assuming the contract passes(I voted no), how do you think your center will react to the new 9.5 drivers that will be opting in? My center already has a hard enough time getting the 8 hour requests and 9.5 guys in on time. They still load them heavy and scramble at the last minute to get other drivers to pull work from them on road. Makes no sense to me. Once other utility drivers and myself are able to opt in under the new language I wonder how it will be handled. Thoughts?

Have heard in Upstate Ny. UPS is already doing 10/4 areas

10 2 go — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:41:35 GMT

Any of you guys know of these routes running?

Yup, looks pretty accurate!

Kruldingo — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:26:29 GMT

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1370697982.561580.jpg

Attached Images

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1370697982.561580.jpg (236.8 KB)

Miss the days when getting hold of HR rep was just a knock on the door.

SemperFi — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:20:26 GMT

Hello, everyone. I work at Brooksville, FL, branch as a loader. I've gotta ask you, for those cafe-users that are kind enough to read this thread, how to go about getting a HR Manager's contact info in Orlando branch. I've applied for a Full-Time Sup Plant Engineer position few months ago and I haven't heard a peep; the job's still posted online. I've been with UPS for almost a year, and unlike most of my co-workers whose ultimate goal is to drive, mine's to be a plant engineer since I have an engineering degree and that's what I like and do best. I haven't been able to work in my field since this recession, but this also gave me the opportunity to join UPS! Anyways, I am starting to feel like nobody really cares; I figured with 1:4 hire for union vs. outsider on our current contract, I'd at least get a courtesy "no" if they are looking for other candidates. At any rate, a light in a right direction will be much appreciated. Thank you.

First week in the books!

mjtrackman — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 04:00:47 GMT

Just knocked my first week as a Express swing driver out. Did a flex P2 route mid day and a pickup route after that all week. Did the pickup route blind and DRA helped a lot during deliveries even though I went away from it little. Worked 10-9 everyday this week. Coming from ground it's sure nice to get ot!

1800dontcallus

fedupped — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 02:40:29 GMT

Went to one of my office buildings and front desk had a box someone left. Ok, I have a hand truck of delivery pkgs and i'm not gonna start a bad habit of everyone leaving their pkgs to be picked up. So as I had a del for the company who left pkg I told them they really need to call these in. They said they tried but the 800 agent talked them out of it stating there would be a driver in the area..??? Really? And the pu drivers are starting later every week..etc.. Some service huh?

What perks do FedEx employees enjoy?

Driver — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 02:19:41 GMT

So I start at Express soon and was just curious as to what perks you guys and gals enjoy being employed here.

What have you taken advantage of since working at Express, maybe tell of some you've used or deals you've found.

And PLEASE let's not turn this into another negative thread as it seems there are plenty.

Thanks! :happy-very:

List of integrity failures reported to Integrity

Integrity — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 01:47:44 GMT

Here is a list of integrity failures that have been reported to I by a reliable contact.

For the sake of this discussion integrity failures will be loosely defined as chronically, knowingly, blatantly and intentionally doing the wrong thing according to UPS and Teamster standards for whatever reasons and then covering it up by doing it "by the book" when being audited.

Mistakes do not count as integrity failures, everyone makes mistakes.

Integrity failures have been reported in the following areas:

First Responders

Recycling Program

Unloaders

Part-time supervisors working

Progressive discipline

Over 70 handling

egress

UPS Policy

Package handling

Handling of smalls

Fueling spills

Fuel drop procedures

storm water pollution protection plan

shop steward failures

unknown substances clean up

porters

Conveyor pre-trip post-trip

Conveyor repair

Conveyor inspection

irreg tug driver

mirror and window cleaning

auto mechanics

load stands

safety committee

keter audit

audits in general

parking violations

driver release

designated walkway

door chain

My contact has committed to report these integrity failures and I will occasionally report them here.

Sincerely,
I

NLRB is now aware of Letters and Harassment of Employees Rights

smart girl — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 00:12:18 GMT

After numerous harassment by management teams and stifling of Employees
rights to speak of contract to fellow workers, and the letter sent to Worldport
employees basically pointing out education credits they enjoy and to continue these benefits they should vote Yes. Now employees are being told whom or who they can talk too? The NLRB
in areas affected are getting many complaints and possible action now.

Are you proud to work at FedEx?

Bankrupt — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 23:31:22 GMT

Haven't been able to say that for years now. I won't even wear my uniform out in public any more. I keep a change of clothes in my locker in case I have to go anywhere straight from work. I remember a time when I was proud to wear the purple and orange and enjoyed telling people about the company I worked for. We've all had conversations with people who see the uniform and believe the myth of what a great job FedEx is. I use to brag about this place and feel lucky when someone would ask " are y'all hiring" or "how do I get a job at FedEx" now I try not to laugh and then tell em don't waste your time it's not what you think.

Vote NO Facebook Page vs. Vote YES Facebook Page on UPS Contract

Evil — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 23:25:50 GMT

Look at the difference between the Vote No on UPS Contract Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vote...ocation=stream and the Vote Yes on UPS Contract Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vote-...985481?fref=ts

Vote NO has 3,248 members and growing daily by over 100 new members.

Vote YES has been stuck at 2 for a couple of weeks now.

Maybe those two are Stink and 407Steward, haha!

Sacramento / Rocklin, CA

skymac — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:55:54 GMT

Hi all,

I'm considering applying for a package handler position at the Rocklin, CA hub. If anyone has experience working at this location, I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions. :)

Thank you!

The TA Vote and the US 2012 Presidential Vote

wgf46 — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:26:39 GMT

The American People had the opportunity to Vote No for Incumbent Obama and Yes for the lesser or two evils, Governor Romney. The majority voted Yes for Incumbent Obama without knowing all the facts, we see now where that's taking us. Make sure you know all the details in the TA between UPS and the Teamsters, it's not as grand as its being made out to be. Vote NO, let's get what we deserve of the pie, at least take it to Last, Best. and Final Offer. No greed. Just Fair.

No Resting in Peace for this P.O.S.

moreluck — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:49:30 GMT

Richard Ramirez, so-called 'Night Stalker' serial killer, dies in California prison | Fox News

National Security

moreluck — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:29:11 GMT

Obama would never tell a lie! . . . OK, maybe he would.

Via The Hill:

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) on Friday disputed a claim President Obama made at a press conference only moments earlier, when the president said that every member of Congress had been briefed on the National Security Agency’s (NSA) domestic phone surveillance program.

Merkley said only select members of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees had been briefed on the program, and that he was only aware of it because he obtained “special permission” to review the pertinent documents after hearing about it second-hand.

“I knew about the program because I specifically sought it out,” Merkley said on MSNBC. “It’s not something that’s briefed outside the Intelligence Committee. I had to get special permission to find out about the program. It raised concerns for me. … When I saw what was being done, I felt it was so out of sync with the plain language of the law and that it merited full public examination, and that’s why I called for the declassification.”

At a press conference on Friday, Obama said that every member of Congress had been briefed on the phone monitoring program. The president argued that the policy, which was implemented in 2007, struck the “right balance” between privacy and national security, and that it had been helpful in thwarting terrorist attacks.

Contract Deja vu - "Robin Hood in Reverse"

InsideUPS — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:18:33 GMT

With all the "contract tension" in the air, I thought I would present some "contract deja vu" to "light"en things up a bit. I've saved all my contract books since becoming a steward in 1987. Our contract has gone from 102 pages in 1987 to 172 pages with the current contract.

The questions we should be asking ourselves as Union members: 1) "Are all UPS members of the Teamsters represented fairly and equally?" If not, 2) what justification is there for the inequities in the bargaining process?

By Definition:

labor union (American English) is an organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals such as protecting the integrity of its trade, achieving higher pay, increasing the number of employees an employer hires, and better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members (rank and file members) and negotiates labour contracts (collective bargaining) with employers. The most common purpose of these associations or unions is "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment".^[1] This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies.

Page 82 of the 1987-1990 contract book:

1) Part-time employees hired on or after 7/2/82 and prior to 8/1/83:

Preloader-Sorter 8/1/87 $11.18 All Others 8/1/87 $10.18

5) (c) Part-time employees hired on or after 8/1/87 shall be paid in accordance with the following:

Preloader-Sorter Start $9.00
All Others Start $8.00 vs. CURRENT Tentative Agreement - $10.00 ($2.00 increase in 26 Years = 8 CENTS per YEAR)

Page 53 of the 1987-1990 contract book:

Section 2 - Full-time New Hire Wage Progression

Seniority Date plus two (2) years = 100% vs. CURRENT Tentative Agreement - Seniority Date plus FOUR (4) years = 100%

Page 89 of the 1987-1990 contract book:

Health Welfare and Pensions:

Section 7 - The Employer will provide full coverage for part-time employees equal in benefits to those of the full-time employees in their area. ....... Dental and vision coverage shall be effective six (6) months from the employee's seniority date.

vs. Current Tentative Agreement: Part-time employees are required to work 12 months to receive health and welfare benefits.

Summary - The irony of being in the Union is that it seems to increasingly parallel the Republican concepts that are demonized by the Democratic party. "Robin Hood in Reverse"...... or as Obama referred to it: "Romney Hood"...
Obama On Romney's Tax Plan: "Robin Hood In Reverse, It's Romney Hood" | RealClearPolitics

Contract Books2R.jpg Contract Books2-1R.jpg

Attached Images

Contract Books2R.jpg (290.3 KB)
Contract Books2-1R.jpg (360.7 KB)

Teamsters Spouses United

Kruldingo — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:52:12 GMT

The wife & I decided to start a group called Teamsters Spouses United. This is a proactive support group for Teamster spouses looking to make positive changes in Teamster family life. If your spouse is just as angry & frustrated about the working conditions you both must endure then please have them Facebook request Teamsters Spouses United. More contact info available in the near future.. Ups may not care about your mental health or state of mind & how it affects your family & others but we do!

Pick Off area , All mats removed and standing on bare grating for 4 or more hours .

Johnnyboy130 — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:32:22 GMT

Recently all mats (secured or loose) have been removed from our hub leaving just the bare grating to stand on, After a couple of hours our feet legs and lower backs start to hurt..UPS safety have said 1st that they were a fire hazard then changed it to a tripping hazzard which OSHA told them, I have contacted OSHA in regards to this matter and am awaiting the paper work, UPS has said they will not be replacing or put anything down for the Pick Offs to stand on, Has this happen in all the hubs or is it just mine (Whites Creek Nashville, TN ) I would appreciate any input or comments in regards to this as not only myself but others who I have talked to have suffered the same pain where I work. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to hearing from you Johnnyboy130.

Part Time Supervisor receiving ballots

Stratocaster — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:09:43 GMT

I'm hearing word that part time sups are receiving ballots. Have you heard the same? If this is true, I will be petitioning for my local to be independent again. We were better off. Its clear that Hoffa and UPS are in bed together.

If It Can Happen To ABF....

Dracula — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 04:49:32 GMT

ABF Teamsters to Vote on Concessions | Teamsters for a Democratic Union

Take a look at some of these concessions. Loss of vacations. Increased subcontracting. Makes it much easier to fire employees. Local grievance hearings eliminated. Supervisors can work.

If this is anyone's idea of union leadership, we are in big trouble. All it takes is one or two bad quarterly results from UPS before the next contract and we will all be looking similar concessions.

The fact of the matter is, our leadership is demonstrating that it has little spine when it comes to standing up to a rocky situation.

If this were a strictly financial hardship, then why are they going after terminations? Why are they increasing wages down the line after immediately reducing wages by 7%? Why eliminating local hearings? Why allow supervisors to perform bargaining work?

Let me guess...this is all a TDU hoax? Stink? 407? Is this all a lie?

No? Then someone explain where the national leadership is on this negotiation.

Because if it is this easy to conduct a fire sale when the numbers go a little south, then you better bet your ass we will be next, and whoever is leading us will take similar stand.

After that, we are all F%*&cked....

20 years this month.

rowan — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 02:10:49 GMT

Got 20 years with ups 7 pt 13 driving. Now hoping I can make it another 15. Started at 18, hopefully ill have a pension when I retire. I also got on the 9.5 list for the first time. This is the first week I've been under every day.

Fed ex health plan not much of a benefit

Bankrupt — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 01:25:52 GMT

Our healthcare is a joke, I'm on the verge of bankruptcy trying to keep up w medical bills incurred since my son was diagnosed w a lifelong condition. After 300 plus a month in premiums a $500 dollar deductible and 15% coinsurance till the $2500 out of pocket reached ( which I have) how can a person on a FedEx courier salary afford this? I make over $21hr and my husband does decent w his small construction business(no healthcare avail) and we r swimming in credit card debt just to feed the family and keep what we have! How's does anyone just starting out a FedEx have a chance? Even though I've reached the $2500 out of pocket, I found out copays and prescriptions will still be my responsibility. His condition will require weekly visit to a specialist for the next few months at minimum the drs have said, at $50 a visit that is going to cripple our family's budget plus his prescriptions amount to over $200 a month. I foresee this year alone our medical to be over 10k Heaven forbid I, my husband,or one of my other two children become ill! ( would be required to pay another deductible and 15%) I talked to my mgr bout this he has no clue how poor our insurance is he blamed Obama. Do you think fed ex had PSP in mind when they decided our copay to the dr would be more than the avg hourly wage of a courier and a specialist would be over twice the hourly wage? I'd ask in our SFA feedback meeting but we never had one and were told no meeting hrs are available until further notice. Does anyone know of any part time jobs(besides ups) that might offer decent healthcare benefits? Does anyone know or think obamacare will offer something better than the sheet fedex does?

Apparently Anybody Can Vote???

Bubblehead — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 01:07:41 GMT

Part time supervisors and seasonal help are receiving contract ballots in my local.
What more can happen to this screw up?

Dissolving safety committee's does really work!

Kruldingo — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:11:40 GMT

We as a united cntr decided to dissolve our safety committee until working conditions improve. In return Atlanta told our Dist mngr that every center MUST have a safety committee & he'd better do whatever it takes to make that happen! Ironically I'm seeing more & more smiling faces as drivers are getting their workday reduced. Quicker results than the lengthy 9.5 process.

This is becoming a trend

stopsperhour — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 23:26:52 GMT

http://www.9news.com/news/article/308578/339/Pot-shop-robber-posed-as-FedEx-deliveryman

UPS Parking Lot Safety Issue

Loyal Teamster — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 23:13:43 GMT

Today at work somebody decided to steal my local International Brotherhood of Teamsters bumper magnet. I'm disappointed someone within our brotherhood would commit such a disgraceful act.
What action would be most appropriate to take? Should I file a report to management or security?

Thanks,
Loyal Teamster

UPSERS.com in retirement

Bustrbyte — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 21:56:56 GMT

Is it true you are locked out of UPSERS.com the following June after you retire?

union question

rowan — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 21:30:53 GMT

I got my last statement for our pension and where it says join date of union it is blank. I never went down and pledged or did paper work but pay all the dues. Shows what I should make when I retire. What happens if I never actually join? I'm sure ill still get what's owed to me. Any one else ever do this?

Andrea

texan — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 21:25:33 GMT

Andrea is hitting Florida

The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, it whipped up gusts as high as 58
mph in Punta Gorda, about 100 miles south of Tampa, the Miami-based National
Hurricane Center reported.

It is going to go up the East Coast.

Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Virginia.

Some will scoff and say no problem, but let us see.

These things, no matter how non-hurricane, cause damage, and delays for us (UPS).

They also cause loss of life.

R.I.P Esther Williams

moreluck — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:22:45 GMT

FedEx Alert Line

Goldilocks — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:17:34 GMT

FedEx ALERT LINE....Every employee of FedEx can make anonymous, confidential reports 24-hours a day of suspected business conduct, financial, legal and ethical violations within FedEx by making a toll free phone call. Its run by an independent company. When you call, you will be assigned a case number that you should write down. 1 866 423 3339....Report it!!!!!!!

4 year progression

Sean1992 — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:03:58 GMT

Is there a way to get around or speed up this 4 year progression(if it goes thru) by being a cover driver or air driver?

No Christmas Turkey, No Incentives, No Measly Shirts YET UPS Wants Us To Concede! No!

MangoMango — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:17:44 GMT

I hope all of my fellow Teamsters realize that UPS doesn't care much about us. The fact that they broke a 100 year tradition to save a buck should yell that in your face loud and clear. This contract is BS and UPS should share some of those record profits with its workers. Plain and simple. Please vote NO if you still have not sent a ballot in.

Doubling-Down On Discipline

MrFedEx — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:20:49 GMT

As we all know, doing ANYTHING "wrong" right now will get you an OLCC or worse. This police state is exactly the wrong thing to do, which seems to be what they do best...wrong. After all, whose fault is it that we have the current fiascos, anyway? The EMPLOYEES,of course, not management, particularly UPPER management.

If these A-holes had one ounce of integrity and common sense, they'd look in the mirror and say, "God, we have effed this up incredibly, and we need to take action now, maybe even bring-in outside help to get things right". But no, "all of this is the fault of hourlies, and we will continue to reward ourselves lavishly for messing-up in every way possible". "We are the geniuses that make Express what it is!!"

Any "discipline" in this craphole needs to start at the top. The entire upper management team needs to be terminated and replaced with COMPETENT people.

interesting read......take a look

Shooter — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:08:27 GMT

What’s In a Name? What Labor Doesn’t Know About Labor… Now You Do

June 6, 2013 by Kevin Boston

“Don’t worry about people stealing an idea. If it’s original, you will have to ram it down their throats.” -Howard H. Aiken
Whether you know it or not, history is being made as this article is being written. The groundswell of angry Teamsters employed by UPS............

Link to rest of story

This Bud's for YOU !!!!

covemaster — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:38:57 GMT

This Buds for you uncle Leo,who at 19 years old had the balls to rush ashore at Normandy on the 6 th of June 1944 ! And give us the freedom witch we all enjoy today !! This man lived till 82 years old and never once did I hear him complain about a dam thing !! He told me that after surviving this, he promised to him self that he would never complain as long as he lived !!!

Does this change our lunch breaks?

10 2 go — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:44:01 GMT

On UPSers.com. Under corporate pcm.
New lunch break rules. Will this require us to only 30 min for lunch? Says there must be atleast be a 30 min break in an 8 hr period. Sorry I was unable to move link w my kindle.

The Bradley Manning Show Trial

804brown — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:07:36 GMT

On the First Day of the Manning Trial

TDU & TOS - VS - 396 BA & the HERRERA STEWARDS

ZJ NOMAD — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:17:28 GMT

first off i'm voting NO! on this contract, i'am of local 396, and i'm looking out for my future/family. The reason for the question is when ever I need some information I log in to browncafe or TDU and i get it, with out much trouble - on the other hand my local BA or stewards cater to a select few, and BS and throw under the bus the rest of us. Opinion's anybody.

Joining the Safety Committee question

Con1989 — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:57:49 GMT

I don't know whether or not this question has been asked before but I'll ask it anyways. I was thinking of joining the safety committee, since I get to work early everyday mind as well do something productive. Here's the question; Whats the benefits of joining the safety committee? Extra pay, looks good on paper, helps to advance in different position? Any pro's or con's in joining? (Im a PT package handler-loader btw if it matters) Thx for reading.

Can someone give me peace of mind please!

lmurtha1 — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:19:05 GMT

I ordered a set of $6,000 custom forged wheels and the shipping label was created and dropped off at a UPS store. It was then scanned by UPS as received. 3 of the wheels showed up on the expected date in perfect condition while the 4th never showed. I called UPS and they stated they cant track it because its just been scanned as received by UPS and for me to contact the shipper. We did a conference call and the UPS store said all 4 wheels were picked up by UPS. 3 wheels were scanned "departed" while the one wheel continues to just say "received"- no departure scan. This is where im confused. It states its still "in transit" but with no updates or other scans!! When tracking the packages online, its says 4 packages. Is this common for 1/4 large packages to NOT ship wi th the rest?!! And if so, with no departure scan?? Its been 2 days since delivery and its still a no show. Just continues to show "in transit" with 50% green status bar. This isn't a $15 item but $1,500!!! Now my cars on a lift and was supposed to have a photo shoot tomorrow. Im beyond aggrevated. How does UPS fail to ship, lose, or delay a big wheel?!! Maybe someone in here can help me from my head exploding.

made the news

Shooter — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:02:38 GMT

Local Teamsters union urges UPS workers to decline new contract - WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community

Local 89 News Story

realbrown1 — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:16:27 GMT

Say this today on local 89 facebook page. Says alot.

WDRB Video - WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community

And borrowed this off of their facebook page also.

27 Reasons "STINK" says to vote NO on the TA

Part-Time Health Care
• Your Health Care coverage will change
• You will have a new insurance provider (Teamcare)
• You may be required to change doctors
• Your benefits will be reduced
• Your out of pocket costs will increase
• If insurance costs increase your wages will be reallocated to pay for increases
• You will NOT be given ...a complete plan description before you vote on this contract

Part-Time Employees
• You will NOT be allowed to have a cell phone inside the property
• You will not have any opportunities for advancement and will be part time forever
• You will continue to receive poverty wages
• You will be subjected to having your work hours and jobs changed at any time
• You will continue to get only one 10 minutes break for up to 8 hours worked

Full-Time Employees
• The company will only agree to create 50 full time jobs by July 31, 2018 with a potential four-year wage freeze
• You will not receive “catch up” raises to bring you up to top rate
• Current Full-Time employees will be stuck on nights, split shifts and other undesirable jobs.
• You will have your bid schedules changed and lose your seniority rights.
• Full-Time insurance benefits will continue to be less than Part-Time employee insurance benefits

Shuttle
• You will be forced to continue to ride the shuttle without pay.
• No urgency to get you off the property
• You have NO recourse or protection for crowded or unsanitary conditions
• You will have to continue to wait in long lines to get on the shuttle.

“Six Hour” Jobs
• You will not have a 30 hour weekly guarantee
• You will not receive the 5 hour vacation premium which part time or full time employees receive
• You will lose your guaranteed 6 hours overtime pay on your 6th day worked

Subcontracting
• You will continue to lose jobs due to subcontracting
• You will be deprived of overtime because of subcontracting
• You will have less full time job opportunities because of subcontracting

Funding % of Part Time Pension Fund

browned out — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:07:20 GMT

Should say Funding of part time pension. We know the UPS full time pension fund is around 103% funded. What is the part time funds percentage? A part timer at our union meeting brought this point up. You have to have 5 years seniority to be vested. Most part timers quit before the 5 years; yet funds were put in on their behalf. The part time pension should have gone up dramatically if indeed the fund is vastly overfunded. These part timers do full time work in part time hours. They are not lucky to have a pension at a part-time job. They work extremely hard and deserve the pension.

Interview at a Ohio Freight location for road driver

chs — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:43:50 GMT

What can I expect if im hired. Do they have over night trips? Do they have to touch any freight or where the dock at the location there going to? I have see job postings as a tractor trailer driver and a road driver, is there a difference?
thanks

Is there a difference between a tractor trailer driver and a road driver?

chs — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:16:23 GMT

Just curious, thinking about applying to one of the two.

Is there a difference between a tractor trailer driver and a road driver?

chs — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:13:13 GMT

Just curious thinking about applying for one of the two.

Seasonal PT Air Driver or Seasonal PT Package Handler?

MIapplicant — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 02:47:33 GMT

Hi all,

I applied for a Seasonal Package Handler job at my local hub, went to the info session and everything. But the HR lady got real jazzed when I told her I have a CDL and can drive stick; she really wants me to road test for Seasonal PM Air Driver this Fri. I have a few questions.

1) What are the chances I can get a permanent job (either driving OR pre-loading) in the next 2 years out of this? I know the answer varies, but give me your best guess.

2) I am doing this mostly for the PT hours (she says strictly 20/ wk). I have a FT job but have a <1 year old kid and want to stay home more for a few years. I figure this is a good time to pay my dues as seasonal for the good benefits down the road. **What are the chances she is not telling the truth and I will end up working more than 20/ wk?**

3) How stressful is PM Air compared to the other driving jobs? It is a fixed route, right?

4) If I ultimately want a PT permanent job, preferably driving, is it better to start as PM Air Driver or as Package Handler? I hear conflicting things.

5) She says pay starts at $11.50 but if I read correctly online this could go up considerably in 2 years right?

6) I think the route is in a bad part of town. How dangerous is it for a young female PM driver, really? Does the company help keep you safe? Self defense classes? Mace? On-dash camera?

7) I read stuff about ppl flunking out of driver training. I assume this would be after I had quit my job, that I go through that training course. How hard is it? How likely am I to quit and then flunk? Could I still get a package handling job?

8) In short, how good of a deal is this? Is it worth quitting my day job for? My current company has NO future for me, and I want to start working towards my future. I am very fit, motivated, and a hard worker. But I don't want to make a big mistake leaving my job...

Observing the ballot count

ohiobrownman19 — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 02:29:17 GMT

It says observers from the rank and file will be observing the ballot count. How does someone get in on this. I would like to be there to see it for my self. Anyone know anything about this? My local BA was clueless

Get ready to pay for Insurance;

Trustnoone — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 02:07:51 GMT

The writing is on the wall, Once the T.A. is approved in about a year we all will pay 20/30/45 a week. This paying for Insurance was UPS and IBT plan to get what they want. MORE MONEY!!

The language in this contract is so vague and left for interpretation.

IBT is more like UPS than you are to IBT.

I feel sorry for the younger guys coming in, may God bless you and watch over you.

FT Sup to FT Package Driver

animal27 — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:45:20 GMT

Does anyone know if it is possible to go from FT Sup to FT Driver?

HERE HERE!

Upsmule — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:22:29 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86UL9ekiXDk&sns=em