Teamsters bash UPS over buyout offers for drivers
The Teamsters union has criticized UPS for its recent offers to buy out drivers as part of a major restructuring effort,which the company claims is necessary due to rising automation and economic uncertainties. UPS announced plans to lay off 20,000 employees from its workforce of 500,000 and proposed voluntary buyouts for full-time U.S. drivers. Though, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien condemned the buyout plan as “illegal,” arguing it violates their existing contract that mandates creating additional jobs. He emphasized that the buyout would also fail to offer sufficient retirement healthcare benefits and is considerably less than the current wages for UPS drivers. The Teamsters have pledged to oppose the buyout initiative vigorously and urged drivers to reject the offer, stressing that their rights and jobs should be honored in accordance with the contract.Additionally, UPS is dealing with rising operational costs and a reduction in earnings, further complicating the situation.
Teamsters bash UPS over buyout offers for drivers
The Teamsters rebuked an offer from the United Parcel Service to buy out drivers affected by “the largest network reconfiguration in UPS history.”
As part of a larger company restructuring amid rising automation and uncertain economic situations, UPS announced earlier this year that it would lay off 20,000 of its 500,000-strong workforce, offering buyouts to ease the burden.
“For the first time ever, in recognition of these unique circumstances, we are looking to offer our full-time U.S. drivers the opportunity to participate in a voluntary program that would provide an opportunity to receive a generous financial package if they choose to leave UPS,” UPS said.
The Teamsters, which covers many UPS drivers, was less than impressed. Teamsters President Sean O’Brien called the plan “illegal” and said it violated the union’s 2023 contract. He pointed out that the contract requires UPS to create 22,500 more jobs.
“UPS is trying to weasel its way out of creating good union jobs here in America by dangling insulting buyouts in front of Teamsters drivers. It is an illegal violation of our national contract,” O’Brien said. “UPS Teamsters work too damn hard to be treated with such disrespect.”
According to the union, the buyout offer wouldn’t include employer-paid healthcare in retirement for workers who held the position for 30 years or more. It would also be “far less” than what UPS drivers currently make.
“Our members cannot be bought off, and we will not allow them to be sold out. The Teamsters are prepared to fight UPS on every front with every available resource to shut down this illegal buyout program,” O’Brien said. “UPS needs to live up to the existing contract. They must honor their commitments, just as Teamsters do every day, reliably delivering packages to hundreds of millions of Americans. Profits are not more important than people, not at UPS or any other employer.”
The Teamsters also accused UPS of failing to fulfill other parts of their contract, such as ensuring air-conditioned vehicles for drivers in hot areas.
Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman strongly urged drivers not to accept the offer, saying they’re still protected under the current agreement.
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“All drivers should reject this illegal and insulting buyout when UPS makes it public. UPS has forced buyouts on its own management in the past. They can’t force anything on us,” he said.
UPS has struggled with rising costs for drivers while earnings have dropped. It recently announced its plan to reduce the number of Amazon packages it holds by 50% by the second half of next year.
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