Labor Disputes involving other Unions

[BLACKBOX]

Does anyone have an idea how we are to approach other companies that have labor disputes? I have a Hospital and a Warehouse that have strike lines set up. Even though its a different union than ours I have actually called the receiving departments and asked them to come out and get their packages.

Also, while I wait they purposely clog the entrance and yell pro-propaganda at me until security can come by and clear the traffic. The longer this dispute goes on the nastier the comments are when I pull up even though I've known these guys for years.

Look I know what these guys are going through, I've been there man!

[Mike Hawk]

Thats a toughie, maybe try to get that stop on WC, unsafe conditions.

[705red]

Originally Posted by BLACKBOX

Does anyone have an idea how we are to approach other companies that have labor disputes? I have a Hospital and a Warehouse that have strike lines set up. Even though its a different union than ours I have actually called the receiving departments and asked them to come out and get their packages.

Also, while I wait they purposely clog the entrance and yell pro-propaganda at me until security can come by and clear the traffic. The longer this dispute goes on the nastier the comments are when I pull up even though I've known these guys for years.

Look I know what these guys are going through, I've been there man!

We have language protecting us from discipline for refusing to cross a picket line. In the diad under other there is strike, select this when you scan the packages. Notify your center management team and let them know you wont be crossing their strike line. Typically management will deliver or the company can come and pick up at will call. Thats why your getting yelled at they are aware that we should not cross or even deliver struck goods.

[trplnkl]

I find no mention of this in the new agreement, but as I understand the full text version will include the following language

NATIONAL MASTER UNITED PARCEL
SERVICE AGREEMENT
For the Period of August 1, 2002 through July 31, 2008



ARTICLE 9. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS
Section 1. Picket Line
It shall not be a violation of this Agreement and it shall not be cause for
discharge or disciplinary action (including but not limited to the temporary
or permanent replacement of any employee) in the event an employee refuses
to enter upon any property involved in a primary labor dispute, or refuses to
go through or work behind any primary picket line, including the primary
picket line of Unions party to this Agreement, and including primary picket
lines at the Employer.s place of business, and the Employer shall not direct
any employee to cross a primary picket line.
Section 2. Struck Goods
It shall not be a violation of this Agreement and it shall not be a cause for
discharge or disciplinary action if any employee refuses to perform any
service which his/her Employer undertakes to perform as an ally of an
employer or person whose employees are on strike, and which service, but
for such strikes, would be performed by the employees of the employer or
person on strike.

[looper804]

Here in 804 we don't cross any picket lines.

[UpstateNYUPSer]

Not to sound naive, but is there a difference between an actual work stoppage (strike) and an informational picket? Are we to honor both of these actions or are we allowed to cross an informational picket? The reason I ask is the local hospital was involved in an informational picket (the nurses were on the side of the road holding up signs asking for support for a new contract but had not yet started a work stoppage) and I asked and was told that I was to proceed as normal.

[looper804]

Originally Posted by UpstateNYUPSer

Not to sound naive, but is there a difference between an actual work stoppage (strike) and an informational picket? Are we to honor both of these actions or are we allowed to cross an informational picket? The reason I ask is the local hospital was involved in an informational picket (the nurses were on the side of the road holding up signs asking for support for a new contract but had not yet started a work stoppage) and I asked and was told that I was to proceed as normal.

I would say if its a strike then we don't cross.If its a group of nurses on their lunch hour giving out information regarding their contract negotiations then make the delivery.If you feel uncomfortable doing the delivery while they are handing out their info then pass it by and do it later.During the strike in 97 I was very upset when people would cross our picket line to get their pkgs (except for the needed medications) so I know how it feels.I will never cross wether on the job or off.(I won't even shop at Walmart just because of their anti union tactics).

[local804]

Originally Posted by looper804

Here in 804 we don't cross any picket lines.

Aint that a fact JACK!

[barnyard]

Originally Posted by UpstateNYUPSer

Not to sound naive, but is there a difference between an actual work stoppage (strike) and an informational picket? Are we to honor both of these actions or are we allowed to cross an informational picket? The reason I ask is the local hospital was involved in an informational picket (the nurses were on the side of the road holding up signs asking for support for a new contract but had not yet started a work stoppage) and I asked and was told that I was to proceed as normal.

Who did you ask????

I have asked folks on a picket line, "Are you on strike? Because if you are, I will not cross your line and management can work on getting the packages on their own."

If it is informational, they will tell you and probably thank you for asking (they did in my case and I already knew that it was an informational picket, I was hoping that by stopping to ask, I would be showing them support.)

In our center, if a business is on strike, their packages are not even loaded into the car.

TB

[UpstateNYUPSer]

Originally Posted by barnyard

Who did you ask????TB

The steward.

[trplnkl]

Originally Posted by UpstateNYUPSer

Not to sound naive, but is there a difference between an actual work stoppage (strike) and an informational picket? Are we to honor both of these actions or are we allowed to cross an informational picket? The reason I ask is the local hospital was involved in an informational picket (the nurses were on the side of the road holding up signs asking for support for a new contract but had not yet started a work stoppage) and I asked and was told that I was to proceed as normal.

There is a fine line of professional legality for nurses and ancillary staff to actually go on strike. There may not be much difference in an informational picket line and an actual strike picket line in their eyes.

[UpstateNYUPSer]

Well, no one shot at me nor was I called any names worse than what I am usually called so I guess I was OK.