UPS Freight Workers in Southern California Sign Cards to Become Teamsters

In Latest Victories, About 140 Drivers, Dockworkers Will Join Locals 952, 542

An overwhelming majority of about 140 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in San Diego, Orange, and Calexico, all in Southern California, have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 5,440 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.

The workers in are seeking to join Local 952 in Orange and Local 542 in San Diego.

“For years, we’ve been working with many of these workers to help them win a Teamster contract—it’s been a long struggle,” said Patrick Kelly, Local 952 Secretary-Treasurer. “This victory is a testament to the strength and determination of these workers.”

“This victory is about perseverance—we have been in touch with many of the workers for 19 years,” said Ken Lundgren, Local 542 Secretary-Treasurer. “It’s been a 19-year project and we’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”

“These latest two victories highlight the long struggle many of the UPS Freight workers have endured,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division. “They also highlight the workers’ persistence and their desire for a brighter future.”

In addition to the Orange, San Diego and Calexico workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis, Orlando, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.