Monday, October 01, 2007

Teamsters, UPS Reach Tentative Agreement at UPS Freight in Indianapolis

The Teamsters Union and UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) reached a tentative agreement for their first contract ever, an agreement that will improve wages and benefits and will serve as a national model to organize thousands of other company employees nationwide, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced today.

The contract, which covers 125 drivers and dockworkers in Indianapolis, will also provide employees the protections of a grievance procedure to fight unfair management decisions, something workers have fought hard to achieve.

"For more than five decades, the workers at UPS Freight and its predecessor, Overnite Transportation, have fought for Teamster representation," Hoffa said. "Today is historic because an agreement has been reached for a contract that will finally give workers a strong say on the job and the protections our other freight members have. A half-century battle is coming to an end, and we have gained strong momentum to organize throughout the freight industry, and FedEx Freight is next."

The workers, who are members of Local 135 in Indianapolis, expressed relief about the tentative contract.

"I hope our coworkers at UPS Freight across the country will join us by forming a union with the Teamsters," said Jesse Nicholson, a road driver and 20-year employee. "Being a Teamster means protections, support and being part of an organization that fights for you."

"Now our protections and rights will be spelled out and guaranteed in a Teamster contract," said Neal Hylton, a hostler and 21-year employee.

"Having an agreement is a big relief," said Dave Osborn, a city driver and 24-year employee. "We've wanted it for so long and worked so hard to achieve it."

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