UPS Bargaining Suspended

[twnjrspc]

[FONT=times new roman,times]UPS Bargaining Suspended[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman,times]Management's Pension Grab Still Dominates Talks[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]National negotiations with UPS again went nowhere this week, and are now temporarily suspended. Bargaining in some supplemental areas is scheduled for the week of July 16.[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]Management's move to split the Central States Pension Plan continues to dominate the talks.[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]This week, management quibbled over the exact withdrawal liability amount that UPS would legally be required to pay Central States to force 42,000 full-time UPSers out of it. Management stated they wanted to negotiate directly with Central States, and this has led to a suspension of bargaining. The International Union says bargaining will resume when the company is ready to present a comprehensive economic package.[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]Meanwhile, the union "brown out" continues, with no information provided to members on bargaining goals. The union's pension and healthcare demands remain under wraps. Just look at the Teamster website--nothing but stale press releases that say everything is going swell.[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]It's Management's Show[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]These talks are already the longest-running national negotiations in Teamster history. It's been 13 months since James Hoffa and hall announced in Las Vegas that they "forced" UPS into early negotiations, to "to face head-on our members' healthcare and pension security issues."[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]Now we know the truth: it was UPS management that sought early negotiations. And, management dominates the talks, while union proposals on pensions and healthcare are gathering dust.[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]In January, hall told UPS Teamsters, "We expect the company to be prepared to negotiate so we can reach agreement on the issues by the end of March." Hall added, "We have no intention at this point of scheduling talks past the end of March." Management knew that was just talk.[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]It's time for a change of course. The union is holding plenty of cards here. It's time to say No to the management pension grab, and No to any and all concession demands. Dust off our union proposals. Why give the company an early deal unless we get real improvements?[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]What Do You Think?[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]Early bargaining keeps dragging on. We aren't going to win a strong contract if we let UPS run the show.[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]What do you think? What can our union do to break the logjam at the bargaining table?[/FONT]

[FONT=times new roman,times]And what can working Teamsters do to make UPS deliver the strong contract and good benefits we deserve? Let us know what you're doing at your building to push for a strong contract. [/FONT]

 

[tieguy]

Nice rhetoric. Whoever wrote it has a future writing propaganda for north korea if interested.

Looks like ups should drop any attempts to save central states.Its clear the teamsters leadership is not receptive.

 

[scratch]

"MakeUPSDeliver" is a TDU website, and is anti-Hoffa. While I am not a Hoffa fan, I hope he does have enough sense to let us get out of Central States. We should have gotten out ten years ago.

 

[dammor]

"MakeUPSDeliver" is a TDU website, and is anti-Hoffa. While I am not a Hoffa fan, I hope he does have enough sense to let us get out of Central States. We should have gotten out ten years ago.

Amen to that........

 

[satellitedriver]

Do working UPSER's really buy into this base BS/Rhetoric. Just look at the archaic verbage/garbage. I am suprised they didn't through in a quote from Lenin.

 

[Cole]

Seems ok to me except we don't know what the unions proposals are. Also I don't know what TDU's views are to fix our pensions, because I don't feel CS is the answer.

 

[scratch]

Seems ok to me except we don't know what the unions proposals are. Also I don't know what TDU's views are to fix our pensions, because I don't feel CS is the answer.

TDU wants UPS to keep flushing money down the toilet to save Central States. The IBT does too, but they are under pressure from UPSers in Central States plus the APWA guys to get out. Personally, I'm not planning on walking a picket line next year to stay in Central States. If it came to a Strike like in '97, most people I work with feel the same as myself. I think that will do in the Teamsters if they try to keep us in Central States.

 

[scratch]

Do working UPSER's really buy into this base BS/Rhetoric. Just look at the archaic verbage/garbage. I am suprised they didn't through in a quote from Lenin.

I noticed on the web one time that the Socialist Party had a link directly to the TDU site. They also had links to the IBT, unions to an extent follow their way of thinking.

 

[longlunchguy]

let's go on strike against central states

 

[toonertoo]

I want out of CS and I hope UPS wins this one, I hope they do not give up. Teamsters should have a plan to get all of their members out of central states, and into another plan, instead of just slowly watching our money dwindle away, but want our hourly wage to continue to go up, so they can raise our dues! . The teamsters have done nothing to try to fix it, Have they? How long have they had?

 

[twnjrspc]

Nice rhetoric. Whoever wrote it has a future writing propaganda for north korea if interested.

Looks like ups should drop any attempts to save central states.Its clear the teamsters leadership is not receptive.

Hail to the Benevalant Dictator, whom so closely relates to his fellow Communist Dictator in North Korea. Bravo Tieguy! However, the future of the articles writer, would be short lived. Dictators such as yourself do not welcome any difference of opinion, no matter how factful they may be.

 

[twnjrspc]

Nice rhetoric. Whoever wrote it has a future writing propaganda for north korea if interested.

Looks like ups should drop any attempts to save central states.Its clear the teamsters leadership is not receptive.

TDU wants UPS to keep flushing money down the toilet to save Central States. The IBT does too, but they are under pressure from UPSers in Central States plus the APWA guys to get out. Personally, I'm not planning on walking a picket line next year to stay in Central States. If it came to a Strike like in '97, most people I work with feel the same as myself. I think that will do in the Teamsters if they try to keep us in Central States.

If the current Teamster Leadership, that was voted in by a majority of those in the Central States, not once, but recently for the seond time, would have negotiated the proper contributions to the fund, then perhaps the fund would not be in the situation it is. Hoffa-56,229 to Leedham-35,890 votes in 2006. You folks voted for the 2002 "Best Ever Contract" did you not? Who wasn't paying attention before they voted in 2002? Is it beyond my saying that you folks should except some of the blame. No matter who's running your fund, you must constantly be watching them.

 

[brett636]

It make sense to me to see what UPS is doing. From what I gather from other articles UPS has to negotiate with CS to determine what exactly is their withdrawal liability. I've read it could be anywhere from $4 to $12 billion and with that kind of money on the table it will affect the other economic proposals UPS is willing to agree to. Once they have determined their liability to CS then negotiations should resume. Atleast thats how I see it.

 

[wkmac]

It make sense to me to see what UPS is doing. From what I gather from other articles UPS has to negotiate with CS to determine what exactly is their withdrawal liability. I've read it could be anywhere from $4 to $12 billion and with that kind of money on the table it will affect the other economic proposals UPS is willing to agree to. Once they have determined their liability to CS then negotiations should resume. Atleast thats how I see it.

Brett,

I heard the same thing about a month ago regarding the wide difference in exact dollar amount of liability as being a potential hurdle and it appears to be so based on the article. I see this latest as more of a jockeying move by the sides because if it were a fatal nail, the other talks would not continue. Besides, they need some drama in order to get the free time to go on those plush golfing and drinking excursions together and if we find out they give us the old "trying for reconcileation" routine!


twnjrspc,
I agree we need to watch what is happening to our pension plan regarding CS and no arguement we failed in that task. However, telling us to watch our plan and also the fact that we didn't make sure our plan was properly funded would also suggest we can't trust our union either. Is that what you are suggesting?

You accuse Tie of being a dictatorial strongarm (and yes he can be) but let me pose this question. When it comes to someone offering an honest opinion that is also critical of the union and/or it's policy, how quick are you not to strong arm back to putdown such opinions? I even have to wonder if you are even covered by CS in the first place (your comments to Scratch appear to make you removed from said blame so therefore the conculsion you are not CS covered)so just what is your dog in this fight if that is the case? Or are you using the bully pulpit to keep the other troops in line only to in the end benefit yourself and protect what you have that you consider a good deal? What's wrong with other union members from trying to come up with something better in light of the fact that the current situation is in trouble for whatever reason? OK you want us to stay in the union only fold, then take your plan and our CS plan and combine it. Step up my friend and show what a true union brother you really are and be a guiding light of an example to the rest of us.

There are and will be both pros and cons to whatever emerges from these contract negociations and it's hard to say at this point which way it will go. I can't stay at this moment when all the facts aren't in that I'll even support a IBT/UPS plan. Just because a contract has this in it doesn't mean the membership can't vote it down and what does it say if they stick with CS and the membership votes that down? Never say never!

If we do stay with CS, it's apparent to all that some actions on their part have not been in our best interest just as quick as you could also point that claim agianst the union, the company and yes even those of us under CS plans. IMO there's enough guilt to go around for all. However, I think those expressing the most opposition to the idea of a IBT/UPS plan to replace CS are mostly those not even covered by the plan to begin with. It's way to early IMO to offer opposition just as it is for total endorsement because we really have no details on it to begin with.

From where I sit, you and tie really have a lot in common and are likely more alike than you want to admit.

JMHO.

 

[RAGGEDSTEP]

Keep up the good work and you will be able to see lots of white trucks delivering what used to be jobs of your union brothers and sisters. Why are people like you so willing to sacrifice everyone else for your power trip?

 

[Cole]

Keep up the good work and you will be able to see lots of white trucks delivering what used to be jobs of your union brothers and sisters.

I would say mngmnt is doing just fine in losing volume on their own!

 

[worldwide]

July 13, 2007

The following is an update on the UPS national negotiations from General President Jim Hoffa, Chairman of the Teamsters UPS National Negotiating Committee and hall, Co-Chairman of the Negotiating Committee.

We write to inform you that the Teamsters National UPS Negotiating Committee suspended talks with UPS on July 11, 2007. As you know, we entered into early negotiations in order to address our members’ concerns that their pension and health and welfare benefit funds were in jeopardy. Unfortunately, the Company has been unable to present a comprehensive response to the Union’s economic demands because of differences between the Company and several benefit funds over the amount of new Company money that is necessary to maintain and improve existing benefits.

These disputes cannot be resolved by the Union Negotiating Committee. And until they are resolved between the Company and those funds, the Union cannot proceed with bargaining over the outstanding economic and language proposals that are on the table. The Union is prepared to resume negotiations as soon as the Company is ready to put forth an economic proposal that addresses the issue that brought us to the table to begin with: improving the stability of the benefit funds upon which our members rely for health care coverage and retirement protection.

While negotiations at the National Agreement level have been suspended, both the Union and Company Supplemental Negotiating Committees have been instructed to continue to bargain over the working conditions covered in the Supplements. As always, we will provide you with information as soon as there are further developments.

 

[1eyejack]

I'm pushing 4 the APWA in our building .Thats the only hope we have of securing our pension and health care. I heard that we are in the red zone which means that we will have less coverage of insurance coming in 2008.... Plus i agree with the APWA the 20, 25, 30 out pension plus the copay of 10 dollars... plus i don't want to hang out another 20more yrs and retire when i'm 65 i have already have in 24 yrs .. I'm pushing for the APWA and all my co -workers are doing the samething ..we are here to support Van and Dan, until we get elected this fall no matter how much money we have to send them .We are behind them we see the only way to correct our pension is to get rid of the teamsters... its about time that we carry are own weight we can do a lot better on our own with the upsf taking a stand with them and joining forces that will be a victory for us in the end......

 

[pkgdriver]

TDU wants UPS to keep flushing money down the toilet to save Central States. The IBT does too, but they are under pressure from UPSers in Central States plus the APWA guys to get out. Personally, I'm not planning on walking a picket line next year to stay in Central States. If it came to a Strike like in '97, most people I work with feel the same as myself. I think that will do in the Teamsters if they try to keep us in Central States.

Agreed
This is the general feeling in my center also.

 

[Cole]

we are here to support Van and Dan

No offense bro, but it's not about Van and Danny, as much as it's about all of us getting what we deserve.

As always, we will provide you with information as soon as there are further developments.

Now that's funny! They have kept a lid on info thus far, so when are they going to start involving the members and give us pertinent info?

I really think if they're going to put out a statement like you posted bro here:

Unfortunately, the Company has been unable to present a comprehensive response to the Union’s economic demands because of differences between the Company and several benefit funds over the amount of new Company money that is necessary to maintain and improve existing benefits.

It would really add alot of credibility if they said what the union's economic demands were/are, otherwise it sounds like alot of hot air imho.

The union would look really ignorant if they wanted to call a strike to keep us in CS, and I would have to believe they know that, because I don't think that would fly.