The Teamsters seem to be dead in the water, but it wouldn't hurt to ask your Stewards, Business Agents and/or Local Officers if Contract Article 6 has been invoked.
Let us know if the Teamsters have obtained any information on the new scanners, and if they have reached any agreements regarding their effects on the Bargaining Unit.
ARTICLE 6
Section 3. New Equipment
Where new types of equipment and/or operations, for which rates of pay are not established by this Agreement, are put into use after the ratification date of this Agreement within operations covered by this Agreement, rates governing such operations shall be subject to negotiations between the parties. This paragraph shall apply to all new types of equipment including office and clerical equipment.
In the event agreement cannot be reached within sixty (60) days after the date such equipment is put into use, the matter may be submitted to the National Grievance Committee for final disposition. Rates agreed upon or awarded shall be effective as of the date equipment is put to use.
Section 4. Technological Change
1. Technological change shall be defined as any significant change in equipment or materials which results in a significant change in the work of the bargaining unit or diminishes the number of workers in the bargaining unit.
2. The Employer and the Union agree to establish a National Teamster/UPS Committee for Technological Change, consisting of an equal number of representatives from the Union and UPS. The Committee shall meet in conjunction with the National Grievance Panel as necessary to review any planned technological changes covered by this Section.
3. The Employer will advise the affected Local Unions and the National Teamster/UPS Committee for Technological Change of any proposed technological changes at least six (6) months prior to the implementation of such change except where the change was later determined in which case the Employer shall provide as much notice as possible.
4. The Employer shall be required to provide the Local Union or the National Teamster/UPS Committee for Technological Change, upon written request, any relevant information to the extent available regarding the technological changes.
5. The Employer will meet with the Local Union, or, if requested, the National Teamster/UPS Committee for Technological Change, promptly after notification to negotiate regarding the effects of the proposed technological changes.
If a technological change creates new work that replaces, enhances or modifies bargaining unit work, bargaining unit employees will perform that new or modified work. The Employer shall provide bargaining unit employees with training required to utilize the new technology, if necessary.
6. In the event that the Local Union and Employer cannot reach an agreement on effects, the matter shall be referred to the National Teamster/UPS Committee for Technological Change.
7. In the event that the National Committee cannot reach agreement on the dispute, either party may refer all outstanding disputes to the National Grievance Committee for resolution in accordance with the provisions of Article 8 in order to determine if the Employer has violated the provisions of this Section or if the change will result in a violation of any other provision of the collective bargaining agreement.