Teamsters Demand UPS Answer Delays in Fulfilling Key Contract Terms

UPS Faces Scrutiny Over Delays in Meeting Contractual Commitments

(WASHINGTON) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has taken a decisive step, requesting detailed updates from UPS concerning several key contractual obligations. The union is particularly interested in the distribution of air-conditioned vehicles to drivers, the handling of overtime grievances, and the provision of full-time job offers to part-time employees.

In August 2023, a significant number of Teamsters, approximately 340,000, ratified a groundbreaking five-year agreement with UPS. This contract included crucial provisions such as the deployment of 28,000 air-conditioned vehicles and the creation of 22,500 permanent full-time positions. However, there is growing concern that UPS is lagging in its commitments.

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien expressed the union's dissatisfaction, stating, “We are halfway into our union’s national contract and the Teamsters are gravely concerned that UPS is not living up to its end of the deal.” He emphasized the need for UPS to accelerate its efforts, particularly in delivering air-conditioned vehicles and providing transparent information about job opportunities.

The union has established a deadline of July 1 for UPS to comply with the information request. Under the guidelines of Article 22 of the UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement, UPS is required to report the number of full-time job opportunities extended to part-time workers. The agreement also mandates the creation of an additional 7,500 full-time positions over the remaining contract period.

Additionally, the union seeks clarification on unresolved and resolved grievances regarding overtime violations, as detailed in Article 37. This provision, commonly known as the 9.5 list, is designed to protect workers from forced overtime and ensures compensation for repeated violations.

Article 18 requires UPS to deliver air-conditioned vehicles to its drivers, focusing on those in the Zone 1 delivery area. This covers workers in the hottest regions, such as Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, who are still waiting for these critical vehicles as temperatures in some areas have soared above 100 degrees.

The union's request includes a demand for all available information about the status of the air-conditioned vehicle rollout. Currently, Teamsters estimate that only 10 percent of the required vehicles have been delivered, which underscores the urgency of UPS’s response.

“How does UPS expect to actually deliver 20,000 or more air-conditioned package cars and vans over the next two years, when the delivery giant is already so far behind? We want answers,” O’Brien stated. He highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting the potential risks faced by workers due to extreme heat conditions.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For further details, visit Teamster.org. Stay connected via social media on X and Facebook.