Teamsters Local 396 Stands United Against Abusive Working Conditions at UPS
Last week, on the eve of the peak holiday season, UPS unexpectedly announced that Teamster package drivers are now required to work 70 hours a week. A change of this magnitude is a mandatory subject of bargaining, yet the company never approached Local 396 to discuss this change. This action represents yet another act of disrespect by UPS towards hard working Teamster drivers who are the lifeblood of the company.
UPS package drivers are already pressed for time, and this change represent the latest display of corporate greed by one of the most profitable companies in our nation. UPS has the ability and the resources to hire more drivers especially during peak season. This increase in the workload of our members is not only tough on package drivers, it poses a dangerous threat to the general public that our members serve. This increased workload means added stress and exhaustion and a higher probability of accidents on the road. As Teamsters, we believe that safety comes before profits and we demand that UPS reevaluate its priorities.
The massive number of part time employees and the constant unsustainable production demands that are imposed on both part time and full time employees makes it obvious that UPS must invest in its workforce and create more full time jobs and end the multi-tiered system that currently exists, which does not allow for many employees to move up and succeed within the company. In order to put an end to these unacceptable acts, we must be active in all of our Local 396 hubs, building power and unity among our fellow brothers and sisters.
Immediately upon learning of UPS’s plans, Local 396 directed our lawyers to file an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board in an effort to stop this change. We have also filed a grievance on behalf of all Local 396 package drivers regarding this matter. Rest assured that we will fight this change with every tool at our disposal. The fight is on!
Teamsters Local 396 represents UPS and Sanitation workers in Southern California. The Local Union also serves Members in other miscellaneous industries such as logistics, recycling and feed delivery services.
