Category: UPS News

UPS urged a California federal judge Thursday to toss a former employee’s proposed class action accusing it of systematically endangering workers’ health and safety by leaving them vulnerable to exposure to COVID-19, arguing that the ex-employee’s claims belong before regulators, not a judge.

United Parcel Service Inc. told U.S. District Judge William Alsup during a remote hearing Thursday that former employee Desdnie Hess’ claims should be nixed, arguing that the dispute is really a workers’ compensation issue that should be referred to the state regulator.

But Judge Alsup expressed concern that referring the case to California’s Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health of California, known as Cal/OSHA, might mean that Hess wouldn’t be able to recover damages for the emotional distress she alleges she suffered as a result of UPS’ purportedly lax safety protections.

“You’re saying, ‘Go see OSHA,’ but OSHA’s not in a position to give money out,” Judge Alsup said.

The Laurelton UPS warehouse in Queens was inundated with fuming Teamsters Local 804 and supporters on Wednesday after 10 part-time employees were given the boot.

The essential workers’ dismissal, after a year of much-needed service during the pandemic, has union members steaming with anger, so much so that they took the fight to the delivery service’s doorstep at 136-40 Springfield Blvd.

The message was clear: “Hire them back.” The union members assembled between two trucks with large inflatable dummies depicting greedy bosses clutching bags of money. Blasting music and chanting, the gathering ensured those inside the large facility could hear their rebukes.

Residents of Cedar Key gathered at city hall to honor the man who was more than just a delivery driver to them; Kenneth Wayne Johnson is family.

“Dependable, smiling, rock-solid, good heart, big heart,” is how Sue Colson, a 30-year resident of Cedar Key and city commissioner describes Johnson.

Tuesday, April 27, was his last day as a UPS driver, and people in the town wanted to make it clear Johnson was a special part of their tight-knit community.

“He is family now. He has established himself if you work hard and take care of the people of Cedar Key, they will take care of you,” explained Colson.

The CEO of TFI International (NYSE:TFII) hinted on Wednesday that the Canadian trucking and logistics company may be pursuing closer ties with UPS (NYSE:UPS) beyond the $800 million acquisition of its less-than-truckload division, UPS Freight.

“Don’t forget this discussion that we’re having with our friends in Atlanta,” Alain Bedard told financial analysts. “I think it may be way more than a transaction that we should be closing on soon.”

Bedard made the remarks after TFI posted its first-quarter financial results on Tuesday. Without naming UPS directly, he appeared to suggest that one area of potential collaboration could be with TFI’s Canada-based package and courier business, which includes parcel carrier Canpar.

A labor dispute has erupted at a UPS facility in Queens after 10 part-time employees were unceremoniously canned while trying to get to second jobs and/or due to responsibilities at home, something, the corporation said, created some kinks in the system.

Vinny Perrone, president of Teamsters Local 804, told amNewYork Metro that arbitration is in works especially if the 10 workers – two of whom are pregnant – are not reinstated with backpay to make up for the hours lost since April 13.

According to UPS, terminations were made when employees left the facility at 136-40 Springfield Blvd. without first running it by managers despite their shifts ending.