Make the Teamsters dangerous again

Whither

Scofflaw
I went to the monthly membership meeting today. It might come down to a strike in 2023. I know it seems wild, but to my ears it sounds like it's on the table. Why wouldn't it be in this climate?! Look at what the John Deere workers just accomplished! For once us workers are in the driver's seat, and I can't foresee this 'labor shortage' disappearing anytime soon. While making its record-shattering profits, the truth is, the company probably needs us more than ever. The 'reserve army' of scabs willing and able to do our jobs isn't there.

There will be no harm in preparing -- above all, financially, since that's what it's all about -- and this union could withstand plenty of internal organizing. I have only been a Teamster for 2.5 years, but it has been apparent from the get-go that the IBT has been resting on its laurels, gotten complacent, and is no longer considered a threat. I do what I can (and I could always do more) as a rank and file member with some knowledge to embolden coworkers to enforce our existing contracts, weak as they are, but it is not easy when people have already been well-heeled by this society. We all know them, the people who are scared to 'make waves', who fear 'targets on their back' ... and who usually don't know the book, aren't involved, and cut corners.

It is time to make waves. High time. Take a blowtorch to the 'golden handcuffs' and stand up for the PTers too! But we won't be able to do it unless we get ready. Everything helps. Get a beer with a coworker. Chat on the boxline, in the parking lot, the break area. Start a group text. Go to the damn union meetings. Solidarity isn't in the grand gestures, it's in the details.
 

rod

Retired 22 years
It is time to make waves. High time. Take a blowtorch to the 'golden handcuffs' and stand up for the PTers too! But we won't be able to do it unless we get ready. Everything helps. Get a beer with a coworker. Chat on the boxline, in the parking lot, the break area. Start a group text. Go to the damn union meetings. Solidarity isn't in the grand gestures, it's in the details.
Somebody would have to stand up for the PT'ers---lord knows they would never stand up for themselves. That's been proven since the beginning of UPS.
 
I went to the monthly membership meeting today. It might come down to a strike in 2023. I know it seems wild, but to my ears it sounds like it's on the table. Why wouldn't it be in this climate?! Look at what the John Deere workers just accomplished! For once us workers are in the driver's seat, and I can't foresee this 'labor shortage' disappearing anytime soon. While making its record-shattering profits, the truth is, the company probably needs us more than ever. The 'reserve army' of scabs willing and able to do our jobs isn't there.

There will be no harm in preparing -- above all, financially, since that's what it's all about -- and this union could withstand plenty of internal organizing. I have only been a Teamster for 2.5 years, but it has been apparent from the get-go that the IBT has been resting on its laurels, gotten complacent, and is no longer considered a threat. I do what I can (and I could always do more) as a rank and file member with some knowledge to embolden coworkers to enforce our existing contracts, weak as they are, but it is not easy when people have already been well-heeled by this society. We all know them, the people who are scared to 'make waves', who fear 'targets on their back' ... and who usually don't know the book, aren't involved, and cut corners.

It is time to make waves. High time. Take a blowtorch to the 'golden handcuffs' and stand up for the PTers too! But we won't be able to do it unless we get ready. Everything helps. Get a beer with a coworker. Chat on the boxline, in the parking lot, the break area. Start a group text. Go to the damn union meetings. Solidarity isn't in the grand gestures, it's in the details.
UPS Teamsters were in the drivers seat in 2018 and we got 22.4 delivery drivers. I see more concessions in 2023 and no strike.
 

Karma...

Well-Known Member
bear in mind that ups is international and the teamsters are not.....as time goes on more and more of the profits will be from international ups and not domestic...the need for teamsters will be less and less.......the teamsters should organize some more countries if amazon or federal dont pan out..........if ups continues internationally the union will see more problems with pensions and medical costs......casinos are an option.
 

542thruNthru

Well-Known Member
bear in mind that ups is international and the teamsters are not.....as time goes on more and more of the profits will be from international ups and not domestic...the need for teamsters will be less and less.......the teamsters should organize some more countries if amazon or federal dont pan out..........if ups continues internationally the union will see more problems with pensions and medical costs......casinos are an option.
Hmmm do me a favor smart guy....

Tell me what the first word says....

teamsters-logo.png
 

nWo

Well-Known Member
Contract negotiations haven't even started and y'all are already screaming strike. Do you legit have no faith whatsoever in our president elect?
 

rod

Retired 22 years
I believe the early 60's. UPS told the Union they didn't have enough work to justify 8 hours. The Union saw a way to double and triple Union dues since PT made the same wages as Ft.
What the hell are you bitching about?--- you make the same as full timers do.
 

Whither

Scofflaw
Contract negotiations haven't even started and y'all are already screaming strike. Do you legit have no faith whatsoever in our president elect?
No screaming here. I base my thoughts on both experience working for UPS while they have been reaping windfalls (the company shows no mercy) and my local president's faith in OZ's militancy - he has faith that they mean business (we will see, I am not a believer yet but I am also not a bystander) and will not, as a coworker of mine likes to say, 'go down like a buddy*'. It's always a good idea to prepare for a rainy day, no? And to try and build power among our brothers and sisters while we're at it?
 

Whither

Scofflaw
Cut a hole in the fence now so the scabs can get in.
You really think the tables haven't turned? We had 3 drivers quit within a span of a few weeks this summer - 2 RPCDs and 1 22.4. Since then a few others have bailed during probation. The 22.4s I talk with are disgruntled; I know a few who have been weighing their options, and one who was (naively) trying to start a wildcat. A part of me thinks the company isn't entirely lying when it says it can't find drivers, and they are saying that here.
 
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