Teamsters Impose Another Supplemental Contract On UPS Workers

Despite a majority of voting Teamster members rejecting their contract, the Teamsters union imposed the contract on UPS workers in Upstate and Western New York.

Much like what occurred with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ national contract with United Parcel Service (UPS) last year, the Teamsters union leadership has announced ratification of a supplemental contract affecting members in Upstate and Western New York state, according to several sources.

— Related UPS drivers upset after vote rejecting contract is ignored under union rule

The contract’s ratification comes despite a majority of members rejecting the contract.

“In response to massive concessions, UPSers in Western and Upstate New York widely rejected their contract supplement by over 65%, with over 46% turnout, on February 5. Members rejected this proposal outright in the face of pressure by the national leadership and promises of retroactive paychecks coming sooner,” states Fight Back News.

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“However, in a repeat of the national UPS contract, Teamster President Hoffa used the 2/3 loophole to impose the supplement anyway. This loophole allegedly allows Hoffa to require either 2/3 rejection of the contract or at least 50% turnout. Four more UPS supplements still have to be voted on in Central Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania, Metro Detroit and Local 804 in New York City.”

The manner by which the Teamsters have implemented the supplemental UPS contract, as well as the national UPS contract is through the ratification language contained in the union’s constitution (under Article XII), which states:

“If less than half of the eligible members cast valid ballots, then a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those voting shall be required to reject such final offer and to authorize a strike. The failure of such membership to reject the final offer and to authorize a strike as herein provided shall require the negotiating committee to accept such final offer or such additional provisions as can be negotiated by it.” [Emphasis added.]

Although it may not affect this round of talks with UPS, according to the Teamsters for a Democratic Union are “organizing” to make changes to the Teamsters’ constitution at the next union convention.

Below are the actual vote counts for the Upstate and Western New York Teamsters:

Teamsters Vote Turnout for … by on Scribd

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