PT Jon,
The reason the argument about the company changing the game doesn't totally wash IMO is the $$$$ for H & W are up for grabs at every contract cycle just as they were this last one and the company ponied up big time. At any cycle the company could just say, "that's it, no more" and we would be no different otherwise. This risks a job action but on the flip side if the company controls the H&W this greatly reduces the success of a job action because of the risk of losing insurance, etc. How many people would have walked right back inside in 97' had the union told everyone that because no funds are coming in there is no H & W coverage. Having control of this is no doubt a huge advantage especially at contract time.
The problem with the current situation with H & W especially retirement is both sides want to control the money. For example, if the funds were paid directly to the employee to be placed into his/her 401k or other personally controlled account then if that employee left early, died, fired or whatever the money is gone with that employee but if either the union or company maintain control a lot of funds stay in the bank thereby reducing overall costs and at some point either side would benefit financially from this. If you were given the funds directly for your H & W costs to administer yourself then if you were wise and thrifty you might be able to cut out after 20 to 25 and manybe a case or 2 where someone with 15 years may cut and run. One thing fudciary controled funds do IMO is keep you locked in. On the Plantation if you will. BTW:If you find that reference offensive you might consult American Jurispudence under the article for Slave and Master. It plainly sez, "See Employer/Employee" Surprised me too.
Pension Funds can be abused by both sides and it's no secret that CS was abused by various parties within the union over the years. I just find it ironic to suggest that UPS would not be above board with the pension fund when it has been a number of IBT cronies who have shown not to be above board. With all due respect to Mr. Hall, ask him where was he when the light of day came upon some of these abuses.
Now that having all been said I do believe it's possible to correct the CS situation. The question is will the employers be willing to bail CS out of the current mess? What scarifices are the members willing to accept and I don't believe we can avoid that even though I don't like it one bit? Anybody remember in the contract extension of 85' where for the next 2 years the union took our raises in order to maintain H & W so I've got a feeling some of that big raise we got in 02' is about to go bye-bye in the CS controlled areas. Will the union only see UPS and their deep pockets or will they also ask the various Freight companies to pony up? Personally, I feel like UPS has been carrying the load and it's high time some of these others step up too. Another option is to allow UPS to buyout as they purposed in 97' and use those funds as a cash influx to stabilize the situation and then through the IBT setup a UPS Teamster only retirement plan. Better yet, put us in the same plan as management. Odds are 2 things might happen. One, the current plan for management with us involved might improve. More folks makes for bigger fund etc. etc. I said might not will so don't wad your thong in your crack. The other plus at least for us is that to cut our retirement means they would probably have to cut theirs and both sides mad is not what Glenlake wants. Then again look at the bright side, that long hated Center Manager and yourself would finally have something in common you could both complain about and agree on.
The problem of course will be all the details and the Teamster leadership will have to earn their keep but I personally believe a solution can be reached that protects us in the future, provides a fantastic retirement now and is an economic windfall for UPS. Which way will the ball roll? Based on the past history it probably won't be the right way IMO. And as always the above is JMO.
that the union employees prolly have a better retirement than we do. This blows. And I thought I used to have a bad attitude. Now we have the privilege of being screwd by UPS, the union, and Central States. And management wonders why so many of us come to work ill. Here comes the new and improved pissed off me.
