UPS Freight Workers in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore Area and California Sign Cards to Become Teamsters

In Latest Victories, About 210 Drivers, Dockworkers Will Join Teamsters

An overwhelming majority of 210 workers at the UPS Freight terminals in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore area and California have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to about 8,200 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.

The workers are seeking to join Local 639 in Washington, D.C., Local 355 in Baltimore, Local 453 in Cumberland, Maryland, and Local 87 in Bakersfield, California.

"These victories, from the East Coast to the West, show the determination of UPS Freight workers to join the Teamsters," said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division.

"These workers know the Teamsters will negotiate a strong contract for them that addresses their needs and provides them with a secure retirement future," said Tommy Ratliff, President of Local 639. "These workers are dedicated and they can't wait to be part of this great union."

"We've got to thank Ken Hall and Jim Hoffa for the agreement to make it easier for the workers to become members," said Larry Wolfe, President of Local 453 in Cumberland, Maryland.

Denis Taylor, president of Local 355 and Joint Council 62, also credited card check neutrality for the victory there.

"The workers are more than satisfied with the way things have gone and they look forward to joining the Teamsters," Taylor said.

"The workers here are very excited about the prospect of joining a strong union and hope that their concerns about seniority are addressed soon," said Garrold Meeks, Business Agent at Local 87.