I know plenty of steelworkers who get a work boot allowance of $150 a yr and also have work uniforms provided to them at no cost. Part timers make chump change, do u think the union would ever fight for this in contract negotiations. Also why dont part timers have bidding rights like full timers? We all pay union dues
Rudy....welcome to UPS and thank you for taking the time to become interested in your working conditions at UPS.
The first thing that I urge all new employees to do is to become familiar with what a Union is and what it can and cannot do for you. I also urge you to to try and understand what UPS is as a Corporation. By fully understanding what two entities you are involved with, you will be better prepared to deal with your career at UPS....whether it be as a Union member or eventually as a member of the management team. So with that said...let me answer your specific questions........
Q1) Do I think that the Union will ever negotiate a uniform (work shoe) allowance?...
A1) While I don't think it's impossible....I do believe it is highly unlikely...
Q2) "Also why dont part timers have bidding rights like full timers? We all pay union dues"
A2) I suggest you obtain a copy your contract book and read the contract language......I believe that you will find that you do have bidding rights to the extent outlined in the particular language that you are interested in.
IMPORTANT NOTE..... a GENERAL course in Contract Language 101 (National Master...Region Supplements...and State and Local Rider) is essential in fully understanding your rights as a Union member. Each and every Region, State, and Local can have their own agreements and "Letters of Understanding". I say this to prevent you from taking language "out of context" and falsely believing you have language to support your argument. Furthermore, contract language from your Local can override Master contract language outlined in front of the book... (unless otherwise stated in the Master Language).
CAUTION: Your Local Business Agent has complete authority to make agreements with UPS which may seem contrary to the contract language written in the book. Simply read any grievance form and you will see that each person filing a grievance is giving his BA the right to negotiate for him or her. As a supplement to that statement..... Each and every Union member also has the right to file a lawsuit against his or her Local IF they do not feel that they have been represented properly. This is where Labor Law attorneys come in. Only in extreme cases does this occur.
P.S.... As some have mentioned...... In all likelihood, you will not be able to write off your work shoes on Schedule A (Itemize). (there is a threshold floor amount that is too great for most individuals) i.e. the amount of your Standard Deduction will most likely not be exceeded.
So....best of luck with your career at UPS or whatever you choose to pursue in life...