InsideUPS
Well-Known Member
UPS continues to gain power over our Union with each and every contract. One of the more egregious examples of this occurs in the Central Region Supplement Tentative Agreement:
"Following due and proper notice given to the parties to appear and present their case, it is agreed that they are empowered to hear and decide the deadlocked case even if only one (1) of the parties submits it to them, or, if one (1) of the parties fails to appear at the hearing to present evidence. They shall have the authority to apply the provisions of this Agreement and to render a decision on any grievance coming before them, but shall not have the authority to amend or modify this Agreement or establish new terms and conditions under this Agreement. Their decision shall be final and binding on all parties and employees involved. If they are unable to agree, the grievance shall be submitted to the United Parcel Service President of Labor Relations or his designee and the I.B.T. National Package Director or his designee for resolution. It is understood either party shall be permitted all legal and economic recourse, including the right of the Union to strike and the right of the Employer to lock out. Prior to any legal or strike/economic recourse, the Union shall have approval from the I.B.T. National Package Director."
The "newly added" language reduces Local Union autonomy in the right to strike. While this may not seem important to some, giving the power to one person (the I.B.T. National Package Director) in the right to strike is a very dangerous proposition. Without going into details, I can assure you that it is very important that each and every Local have the capability to handle "strike issues" independently in accordance with the laws and the NLRB. Relying on one person that may be indebted to UPS in other ways is far too risky and reduces the overall strength of our Union.
"Following due and proper notice given to the parties to appear and present their case, it is agreed that they are empowered to hear and decide the deadlocked case even if only one (1) of the parties submits it to them, or, if one (1) of the parties fails to appear at the hearing to present evidence. They shall have the authority to apply the provisions of this Agreement and to render a decision on any grievance coming before them, but shall not have the authority to amend or modify this Agreement or establish new terms and conditions under this Agreement. Their decision shall be final and binding on all parties and employees involved. If they are unable to agree, the grievance shall be submitted to the United Parcel Service President of Labor Relations or his designee and the I.B.T. National Package Director or his designee for resolution. It is understood either party shall be permitted all legal and economic recourse, including the right of the Union to strike and the right of the Employer to lock out. Prior to any legal or strike/economic recourse, the Union shall have approval from the I.B.T. National Package Director."
The "newly added" language reduces Local Union autonomy in the right to strike. While this may not seem important to some, giving the power to one person (the I.B.T. National Package Director) in the right to strike is a very dangerous proposition. Without going into details, I can assure you that it is very important that each and every Local have the capability to handle "strike issues" independently in accordance with the laws and the NLRB. Relying on one person that may be indebted to UPS in other ways is far too risky and reduces the overall strength of our Union.