This is just my opinion and I don't want to be a downer here....but something to think about.......
What do you think all of these programs and their implementation have been leading up to? I'm talking about PAS/EDD, telematics and (yes) even the purchasing of cars with auto transmissions. I still think that the company believes that they can put anybody off the street behind the wheel and continue as if almost nothing has changed.
With this seeming "anti-union" agenda being carried out by the Republicans....the time may be right for the company to make a move in that direction. Especially if those Governors are successful in their respective states. I'm probably wrong (and I hope to God I am), but it might be something to think about before asking for too much in the way of increases this time around. Although I believe that the majority of UPS employees are worth every penny that they make (and then some)...... me thinks there is something ominous underfoot.
Tread lightly!!
It would likely help if people would get more involved with union issues, but far too often, I find most of the people I work with are only concerned with themselves. I guess that is fine, but if we all think back several years and what our predecessors went through, we may learn some lessons. The only reason we have what we have is because of the many fights over the years. The company is very aware of how weak this union has become.
I am not saying people need to go to every meeting and wear union hats and shirts and so on. I simply believe we should try to be on the same page and work for the better good of everyone. I am afraid that will not happen until it is too late.
Here is what I would like to see in future contracts:
-Perhaps there could be a way to simplify the language so as to eliminate "gray areas"
-Better bidding language: more specific language as to what is on each route. As it stands now, you could end up going just about anywhere in our center so bidding is useless.
-Better bumping procedure if your run is "cut" for the day.
-ALL delivery and feeder work will be done by FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES. If there is no work for them, they would perform part-time work to get their hours. If the part-timers can come out and do the work now, why can't we reverse the method??
-Vacations changed so you can use them one day at a time instead of 5 days at a time. May not pertain to a lot of people, but some may enjoy this benefit.
-If a part-timer works 40 hours in one week, that will become a full-time job. Not 30 days, not this, that, or the other mumbo-jumbo. A part-time job is not one that works 40 hours a week. That is full-time and if memory serves, we walked a picket line for this nonsense several years ago. It has gotten worse by the day.
-Relief from overtime should come not on a one-day basis. If you don't want overtime, then you should be relieved from it EVERY day. None of this nonsense of requesting an eight-hour day twice a month. (that is how it is here) There usually is someone who wants to be in a brown truck 12 hours a day. Let them have the overtime. This would build morale and suddenly the company would find people would actually WANT overtime.
-Not only would union membership be required but minimum meeting attendance. Oops, that would not be in contract.