UPS Freight Workers in Detroit Take Big Step Toward Joining Teamsters

An Overwhelming Majority of Workers Sign Cards To Join Teamsters Local 299


An overwhelming majority of the 107 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminal in Detroit have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, the third major campaign victory announced by the union this week, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.

“The UPS Freight campaign continues to move ahead at full steam,” Hoffa said. “After UPS Freight workers in New England and Memphis submitted cards, the campaign has rolled into the upper Midwest. We will be successful from coast to coast.”

On Wednesday, January 16, the union announced that 315 UPS Freight workers at seven locations in New England took a similar step to become Teamsters. On Thursday, January 17, the union announced that a majority of the 411 UPS Freight workers in Memphis had signed and submitted cards. At this point, a majority of 833 workers have taken the step to join the Teamsters.

“So far, 90 of the 107 Detroit workers have signed cards and we’re working on 100 percent support,” said Kevin Moore, President of Local 299 in Detroit. “The workers here in Detroit will have more protections for themselves and for their families with a Teamster contract. The overwhelming support shows the company that they are united and committed to becoming proud Teamsters. Hats off to the workers and to our organizer, Al Hinojose.”

The cards will be sent to a neutral arbitrator, and the company is expected to officially recognize the workers within a week.

“I look forward to working with more local unions and more UPS Freight workers in the coming days and weeks in the workers’ fight for a brighter future,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Parcel and Small Package Division.