Local 710 UPS Teamsters Continue Bargaining with Slow Progress
Teamsters Reaffirm Voices of Membership, Prepare for Next Round
MOKENA, IL | The Teamsters Local 710 Bargaining Committee for the Local’s UPS small package agreement met again last week to continue negotiations.
Multiple tentative agreements were reached, but the Union committee is pushing for the company to make further movement on many key issues brought forth by the membership.
We were disappointed to say the least by the company’s lack of movement last week. Our committee has clearly explained to the company what we need to see in this contract, but the company has continued to drag their feet. We will not allow UPS to try and push a contract that refuses to address the main concerns of our members.
Mike Cales
Local 710 Principal Officer
At the last round of bargaining, the Company passed their proposal regarding combo drivers, which mirrored the national agreement. The Union committee presented a counter that would allow the company flexibility while providing strengthened protections for members.
With the height of peak season rapidly approaching, the parties are scheduled to resume negotiations on Monday and Tuesday of next week, where the Union is set to present their economic proposals.
We’re optimistic that UPS will take these negotiations more seriously next week – they’d be foolish not to. Our committee continues to bring our members’ voices to the table, and UPS needs to really listen, particularly given the season we’re in. We expect the pace to really pick up next week.
Del Schaefer
Local 710 President
Once a complete tentative agreement is reached, the Union will ensure that the members get a clear view of the full package to vote on by visiting all facilities and holding meetings to review the contract ahead of a vote.
“The Company seems to be placated by this idea that UPS members don’t vote,” said Cales. “Local 710 is prepared to prove them wrong.”
Teamsters Local 710 represents more than 13,000 members across the Midwest and is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.