Teamsters Local 639 Increases DRIVE Participation by 40% at UPS Blitz

Teamsters Ramp Up Political Engagement with Successful DRIVE Initiative

In a strategic move to strengthen their political influence, Teamsters from all over the nation gathered with representatives from Teamsters Local 639 for a DRIVE (Democratic, Republican, Independent Voter Education) initiative at UPS locations in Maryland and Virginia. This initiative came on the heels of the 2025 Teamsters Political Coordinators Meeting, underlining the union's dedication to reinforcing its political impact within the labor movement.

During this campaign, Teamsters spread across five UPS facilities and engaged with members during two different shifts. The focus was on educating members about DRIVE’s role in amplifying worker voices politically. By endorsing candidates who back working families and pushing for pro-labor legislation, DRIVE ensures that Teamsters’ concerns are heard in the arenas where critical decisions are made.

Remarkably, Local 639 achieved a more than 40% increase in DRIVE participation, showcasing a robust commitment from members to advocate for meaningful change and ensure that workers' perspectives are considered in workplace and governmental decisions.

“I’ve seen firsthand how critical DRIVE is to building Teamsters leverage,” stated Austin DePaolo, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 223. “Working with the International Union staff on this blitz showed exactly how effective these efforts can be, and it was inspiring to see members embrace the program and understand its importance.”

The DRIVE initiative empowers Teamsters to counteract corporate challenges posed by figures like UPS CEO Carol Tomé and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. These efforts are especially vital against the backdrop of proposed automated warehouses and driverless vehicles, as Teamsters continue to seek fair wages, robust protections, and superior benefits for workers.

The campaign concluded a week of sessions at the union's Political Coordinators Meeting, where recent legislative successes were celebrated and strategies for future battles were crafted. The enthusiastic participation by Local 639 is indicative of the momentum the Teamsters are harnessing for negotiations and electoral pursuits in the coming years.

Those interested in organizing a DRIVE event at their local chapter are encouraged to contact Bob Trappe, DRIVE Field Coordinator, via email at RTrappe@Teamster.org or phone at (440) 409-8067.