#United States #Washington, D.C. #Teamsters #UPS #Buyout Plan

In a shocking development that has stirred unrest among delivery workers, United Parcel Service (UPS) is set to disclose a controversial plan for buyouts of full-time employees represented by the Teamsters union. This initiative, slated for announcement later this month, is already being labeled as a flagrant violation of the national contract protecting a staggering 340,000 Teamsters workers. This proposed Driver Voluntary Severance Plan (DVSP), which has not yet been officially announced by UPS, aims to entice drivers to opt for early retirement or leave their positions in exchange for cash. However, the ramifications of such a plan could have dire consequences for workers, especially regarding their health insurance benefits post-retirement. Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien has condemned the initiative, labeling it as an illegitimate effort by UPS to evade its contractual obligations, which include creating over 22,500 new jobs. O'Brien remarked, 'UPS is attempting to sidestep its duty to create good union jobs for American workers by luring Teamsters with paltry buyouts. This is a direct infringement of our national contract.' Furthermore, the proposed cash offers are likely to be significantly less than what the rank-and-file Teamsters currently earn and could continue to earn over the course of the agreement. The historical five-year contract that UPS Teamsters ratified in August 2023 guaranteed the company the obligation to convert at least 22,500 part-time positions into full-time roles while also creating an additional 7,500 full-time jobs over the three last years of the contract. The Teamsters Union has recently requested UPS to provide essential data regarding the status of open positions, demonstrating the urgency to address the ongoing discrepancies. According to Article 18 of their contract, UPS is also required to supply no fewer than 28,000 air-conditioned vehicles to drivers by 2028. Unfortunately, the company's delay in responding to these information requests has only heightened concerns among union members regarding UPS's compliance. This looming announcement regarding the DVSP comes amid rising discontent as UPS appears to be falling short of its commitments, particularly in providing adequate support and heat relief for its dedicated drivers during demanding weather conditions. The Teamsters are currently reviewing allegations that UPS is diverting some of its delivery work to nonunion entities, a move that could further undermine job security for their members. O'Brien has made it clear: 'Our members cannot be placated with buyouts, nor will we permit their rights to be undermined. The Teamsters stand ready to counter UPS at every turn to halt this illegal buyout initiative. UPS must adhere to the existing contract because the lives of workers are not secondary to corporate profits.' This echoes a previous episode in 2020, where UPS attempted something similar by orchestrating buyouts at the corporate level as part of a cost-cutting approach. Fred Zuckerman, Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer, echoed the call for unity among drivers, encouraging them to remember their contractual protections. He stated, 'All drivers must reject this legally questionable buyout when it is revealed. UPS may have imposed buyouts on its management in the past, but they cannot force such actions on us. Carol Tomé may have her own team by the throat, but the Teamsters will not yield to her tactics.' The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has a rich legacy, representing approximately 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico since its inception in 1903. For further information, visit Teamster.org and follow them on social media platforms to stay informed about the latest developments.