Trouble brewing in chicago!

[705red]

Last week ups sent out letters to all of our retiree's raising their medical coverage from $50 per dependant to $300 per. The problem here is that at no time during negotiations did ups discuss any changes to the retiree medical as in raising the deductible.

As of today ups has been sent a letter to resolve this within the next 24 hours or teamsters local 705 will be filing a federal lawsuit against ups, a unfair labor practice charge and after the ulp if filed a 72 hour notice to strike will be sent to ups. Its quite possible that a work stoppage would happen in chicago as early as the middle of next week.

I just do not understand how atlanta allows these issues here in chicago to get to this point. Labor here just shows a total disregard for the contract and more importantly the retirees who have served this company for enough years to be able to retire.

Now they expect a retiree whos pension is lets say $3,000 a month and who has himself and wife with one child covered to fork out $900. Thats a third of his pension on an already fixed income!

Way to take care of your people ups! Please show some respect for the past employees, or its quite possible us current employees will have to earn that respect for them!

[backinbrown]

Wow good luck stay strong in numbers keep us up to date

[MonavieLeaker]

Originally Posted by 705red

Last week ups sent out letters to all of our retiree's raising their medical coverage from $50 per dependant to $300 per. The problem here is that at no time during negotiations did ups discuss any changes to the retiree medical as in raising the deductible.

As of today ups has been sent a letter to resolve this within the next 24 hours or teamsters local 705 will be filing a federal lawsuit against ups, a unfair labor practice charge and after the ulp if filed a 72 hour notice to strike will be sent to ups. Its quite possible that a work stoppage would happen in chicago as early as the middle of next week.

I just do not understand how atlanta allows these issues here in chicago to get to this point. Labor here just shows a total disregard for the contract and more importantly the retirees who have served this company for enough years to be able to retire.

Now they expect a retiree whos pension is lets say $3,000 a month and who has himself and wife with one child covered to fork out $900. Thats a third of his pension on an already fixed income!

Way to take care of your people ups! Please show some respect for the past employees, or its quite possible us current employees will have to earn that respect for them!

Not shocking in the least

[brownmonster]

Why do we need a Union....the Company looks out for our well being.

[scratch]

We have to pay $200 apiece at age 55 for retiree health insurance in good old Central States land. I wish it was $50 apiece, I could retire earlier. $300 is too high.

[stringerman85]

Originally Posted by 705red

Last week ups sent out letters to all of our retiree's raising their medical coverage from $50 per dependant to $300 per. The problem here is that at no time during negotiations did ups discuss any changes to the retiree medical as in raising the deductible.

As of today ups has been sent a letter to resolve this within the next 24 hours or teamsters local 705 will be filing a federal lawsuit against ups, a unfair labor practice charge and after the ulp if filed a 72 hour notice to strike will be sent to ups. Its quite possible that a work stoppage would happen in chicago as early as the middle of next week.

I just do not understand how atlanta allows these issues here in chicago to get to this point. Labor here just shows a total disregard for the contract and more importantly the retirees who have served this company for enough years to be able to retire.

Now they expect a retiree whos pension is lets say $3,000 a month and who has himself and wife with one child covered to fork out $900. Thats a third of his pension on an already fixed income!

Way to take care of your people ups! Please show some respect for the past employees, or its quite possible us current employees will have to earn that respect for them!

Jesus, everything is expensive in chicago..........

[rod]

Originally Posted by scratch

We have to pay $200 apiece at age 55 for retiree health insurance in good old Central States land. I wish it was $50 apiece, I could retire earlier. $300 is too high.

I've said it before-- it depends on which local you retire out of. I'm covered under Central States and it cost me $100 a month (not each) for both the wife and me. (knock on wood)

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by 705red

Last week ups sent out letters to all of our retiree's raising their medical coverage from $50 per dependant to $300 per. The problem here is that at no time during negotiations did ups discuss any changes to the retiree medical as in raising the deductible.

As of today ups has been sent a letter to resolve this within the next 24 hours or teamsters local 705 will be filing a federal lawsuit against ups, a unfair labor practice charge and after the ulp if filed a 72 hour notice to strike will be sent to ups. Its quite possible that a work stoppage would happen in chicago as early as the middle of next week.

I just do not understand how atlanta allows these issues here in chicago to get to this point. Labor here just shows a total disregard for the contract and more importantly the retirees who have served this company for enough years to be able to retire.

Now they expect a retiree whos pension is lets say $3,000 a month and who has himself and wife with one child covered to fork out $900. Thats a third of his pension on an already fixed income!

Way to take care of your people ups! Please show some respect for the past employees, or its quite possible us current employees will have to earn that respect for them!

Go ahead.....start the strike rumors again in this economy. Thats a good move for the rest of us. Join the national and maybe I'd feel a bit more sad for you.

[retired2000]

as i have said in othe rposts last aug. here in upstate ny we were told we had to pay 890 a quarter for our helath ins. (for 2 people) this month we were told it is up to 1,079. they are just trying to get all the retirees to leave the ups ins and get thier own.

[Hangingon]

Ours is close to 500 a person per month if you retire before 55. I thought the locals covered their own retirees?

[wyobill1956]

I still pay $50.00 a month and that covers myself, wife and son who is in college. This is thru UPS not Central States. Knock on wood
Im on the Wyoming Montana border. Drivers in Montana (Billings, Bozeman)
area get no health Ins. Like Rod says it depends on your local.

[over9five]

Trouble brewing in Chicago?

I got this deja vu feeling, heard it before.

No strike that time, just a lot of talk. Don't worry, Red, nothing will come of this.

[ih8tbrn]

Maybe they should all just hold their breath till they turn blue. That'll show corporate who's really running the show.

[BrownSuit]

Is there ever a time when there isn't trouble in Chicago?

Originally Posted by 705red

I just do not understand how atlanta allows these issues here in chicago to get to this point. Labor here just shows a total disregard for the contract and more importantly the retirees who have served this company for enough years to be able to retire.

Okay, I don't agree with increasing any costs to employees or retirees during these difficult times, but let me get this straight

Last Week - They sent out letters
Today - You sent a letter requesting an immediate response
Next Week - You are taking a strike authorization if you don't have a response

So I'm lost, how is Atlanta letting issues get to this point? They just sent out a letter, isn't it the 705 that's taking this out of context and control? Who is opening their mail and a week later threatening to strike?

Red, I have a feeling if they took away a ply of your toilet paper you'd threaten to strike.

What was the time frame on the change in benefits? That's the same time frame that you have to give the company, It has to be tit-for-tat as far as the time allowed for response goes.

[UpstateNYUPSer]

Public sentiment would not support a strike in response to an issue affecting current employees--can you imagine the response a work stoppage for an issue affecting retirees would receive? Especially when there are retirees who are having to choose between medicine, food and heat. I do agree that a premium increase such as you have described is unfair but at least our retirees have access to quality health care, have a strong pension, and for the most part are enjoying a secure retirement.

Has any thought been given to an informational picket?

[chopstic]

Originally Posted by BrownSuit

Is there ever a time when there isn't trouble in Chicago?



Okay, I don't agree with increasing any costs to employees or retirees during these difficult times, but let me get this straight

Last Week - They sent out letters
Today - You sent a letter requesting an immediate response
Next Week - You are taking a strike authorization if you don't have a response

So I'm lost, how is Atlanta letting issues get to this point? They just sent out a letter, isn't it the 705 that's taking this out of context and control? Who is opening their mail and a week later threatening to strike?

Red, I have a feeling if they took away a ply of your toilet paper you'd threaten to strike.

What was the time frame on the change in benefits? That's the same time frame that you have to give the company, It has to be tit-for-tat as far as the time allowed for response goes.

definitly have to agree here. Maybe its a bit of an overreaction from the 705... you have to remember that those of us still working and supporting our families also need money, and we wont be able to pay our bills or feed our children if we are on strike.

[barnyard]

In these economic times, a strike would possibly the dumbest thing any union could do. Not only would it be a public relations disaster, but in tight times, it would be handing business to the competition.

I am glad that I am not a 705 member.....

TB

[HEFFERNAN]

Can't you all see the handwriting on the wall !!!!!!!!

UPS has the unions by the balls and we don't have a choice anymore. UPS is smart and has a gameplan to destroy the unions. The union has given up so much control, drivers can get fired for just about anything now. You have to give UPS credit, I never thought I'd see the day they would rip us apart.

[UPSNewbie]

Originally Posted by BrownSuit

Is there ever a time when there isn't trouble in Chicago?



Okay, I don't agree with increasing any costs to employees or retirees during these difficult times, but let me get this straight

Last Week - They sent out letters
Today - You sent a letter requesting an immediate response
Next Week - You are taking a strike authorization if you don't have a response

So I'm lost, how is Atlanta letting issues get to this point? They just sent out a letter, isn't it the 705 that's taking this out of context and control? Who is opening their mail and a week later threatening to strike?

Red, I have a feeling if they took away a ply of your toilet paper you'd threaten to strike.

What was the time frame on the change in benefits? That's the same time frame that you have to give the company, It has to be tit-for-tat as far as the time allowed for response goes.

If they did that, he'd be using his left hand at UPS.

Good luck, red.

[kingOFchester]

Originally Posted by HEFFERNAN

Can't you all see the handwriting on the wall !!!!!!!!

UPS has the unions by the balls and we don't have a choice anymore. UPS is smart and has a gameplan to destroy the unions. The union has given up so much control, drivers can get fired for just about anything now. You have to give UPS credit, I never thought I'd see the day they would rip us apart.

Evidently, UPS is worried about Obama and the card check program. They have started to meet with part time supes to convince them not to go union if Obama gets his way. Anyone hear of this?

[satellitedriver]

Originally Posted by rod

I've said it before-- it depends on which local you retire out of. I'm covered under Central States and it cost me $100 a month (not each) for both the wife and me. (knock on wood)

Rod,
You are "grandfathered", ( no old man joke intended), well maybe.
For those of us that will retire in the future, under Central States, it will cost $200 a pop for each person covered.
These are today's numbers and will probably increase over time.

[rod]

Originally Posted by satellitedriver

Rod,
You are "grandfathered", ( no old man joke intended), well maybe.
For those of us that will retire in the future, under Central States, it will cost $200 a pop for each person covered.
These are today's numbers and will probably increase over time.

A friend of mine just retired Nov. 24, 08 and I'm sure he pays the same as me. I will double check with him (if I remember) tomorrow

[Red Dawn]

contract...you obliviously haven't seen what ups is doing to its article 22.3 employees! lol..court ruling or not.
But im with ya!! if you let them go out side of a binding contract with out talks..then they deserved what they get!

[REALADVOCATE]

Folks,

It didn't take long for this to be exposed on a national level? Some of us haven't even received the letter from UPS yet? Imagine what will play out in a short period of time with the UPS/Teamster Pension Plan after UPS paid the withdrawal liability to the Central States Pension Fund?

I feel 705RED could have gone into more detail with regard to the reason this Labor guy, D******* at UPS did this. However, he has exposed the heinous Dark Side Of Brown once more. Mr. D******* sure gets around? I also understand he is the only man to hear grievances for a particular Brother out of the Sharonville Hub, in OH. I'll bet a lot of you folks know about Mr. D******* and could relate to some other fine examples of his marvelous work?

In any case, Mr. P****** is doing the right thing and I'm extremely proud and confident he will prevail. There are other aspects of this issue that makes it illegal under ERISA and Labor Law? I don't believe Brown thought this one through. They may have the finest attorneys money can buy, but they are still attorneys who know how to generate more billable hours.

Granted, the $50.00 monthly premium for retirees of Local 705, was a token payment and not in line with present day medical costs. This token payment was determined many, many, years ago and agreed to in each succeeding CBA, and when the present CBA was negotiated back in July of 2008, after Mr. D******* was removed and a corporate representative came to Chicago at the last minute to make sure an agreement was reached. I wonder if that is the ulterior motive for Mr. D*******'s latest deplorable action? Nah.... UPS management doesn't attempt to retaliate, violate their code of conduct, or do other unscrupulous things do they?

This 300% to 800% increase is not equitable, and will definitely have a devastating effect on a great many UPS Retirees. What effect will it have on our Brothers and Sisters with 15, 20, 25 years and working towards retirement? I personally have not seen the 5500 forms that would show that the average benefits paid out is over $6,250.00, per participant as stipulated in the SPD? Besides, it is also my understanding that Local 705 wasn't notified of these increases even though UPS is/was obligated to do so, and actually show the Union how these exorbitant numbers were calculated?

There is/was according to Plan Documents in my possession over sixty (60) other Locals in this plan, as well as designated non-union retirees of UPS employed at one of their related enterprises? How many other Locals in the Plan are receiving the same increases proportionate to the $6,250.00 average per participant?

Bottom line is how many Teamster Locals would go to bat for their retirees. Its been my observance that after the UMWU, and the Auto Workers Union, no other union has taken stock of retiree issues let alone represent them once they are retired.

With all due respect to those UPS 705 retirees, I would humbly suggest you make these ludicrous new premium payments because if you don't, and you get dropped for non-payment, it will be extremely difficult to get your coverage reinstated after the fact. After this mess gets straightened out, the Brown Behemoth will have paid a huge number of dollars that could have increased their bottom line?

Oh yeah, Brown attempted to do the same thing to 705 retirees in 2007. The increase then for every retiree was to be increased to $137 + dollars. After Mr. Pocztowski stepped in Brown sent another letter stating the first letter was a mistake. Its curious that in that short time frame between then and now Brown tried to increase the premiums from a little under 300% for everyone, to from 300% to 800% for various participants? Go figure???

As an aside, I sure wouldn't want to be in Mr. D*******'s shoes when the dust settles?

Kudos to IBT Local 705, and Mr. P******.....


Douglas Page Chapman Sr
6619 Dralle Road
Monee, IL 60449-9431
708-534-0490-Home
Advocate PUPS Inc & NABER Inc REALADVOCATE@aol.comhttp://pupsinc.homestead.com/naber1.html
36-1/2 years member in good standing IBT Locals 705 & 710. Over 60 years experience UPS/BROWN, 30 years an employee, 18+ years when Dad was an employee, and retired Teamster 13 + years


This post has been edited by Cheryl to remove all full names posted.

[redshift1]

Is there a full moon tonight ?.