After days (and evenings) of reading posts on this subject I need to say that olroadbeech seems to be the sanest person posting. Hat tip to olroadbeech for content and manners.
I also want to point out that 20 years ago, everyone (well almost) touting their Teamster identity and ideals at least still leaned towards solidarity and fellowship. It was atypical to see someone not watching his brother or sister's back.
Now let's look around today. Take this tiny microcosm as representative of a larger whole.
Here you have not only a multitude of opinions and personalities, but also it seems a multitude of ambitions and agendas, both organized and personal.
There is also a distinct variation of knowledge and skill levels, and everyone could be a little more cognizant of the fact and treat each other accordingly. Patience is a virtue and kindnes as well. I too am guilty of overreaching on ocassion.
It seems to me the only time I read posts from those who identify themselves as union players they're telling me and/or you how you should trust leadership and march single file as directed. Problem is, we all seem to agree (at least to some small degree) that the directives we are given are rarely equally applied, and even more rarely justified to our individual satisfaction when questioned.
In my humble opinion that is indicative of a large and systemic problem. That problem is going to eventually evolve into a crushing and likely terminal blow to the organization. Mark that down.
I can't really decide which is the most destructive though.
Is it the arrogance of some who work so diligently to discourage dissent, or is it the blind greed that drives some among us to put their personal shortcomings on parade in forums like this, as well as in the workplace?
How absolutely un-Teamster and un-union is it to publicly offer rebuke to a brother or sister because he treasures his hard won day off? Did he not earn it and the right to take that time with his family?
And how about the greed that motivates you to go into work on a holiday for a few more bucks and sabatoge his (and your) future right to that time?
Think the company has found your "right button" to push?
How about your union?
Each of us to a man/woman knows this company mandated change sets a precedent that will never be repealed. Every holiday alotted to you will in the future be at risk because a few care so much about themselves they neglect the rights of others.
Then there's the everpresent remark that pops up over and over..."Ask your supervisor if he wants to work that day". Of course he doesn't. But he's the one who sold his soul to the devil.
Why even bring it up? That remark is more manipulative than sincere. Think about it.
I address this comment directly to those who come onto this site and tout their leadership abilities and record. If you're such a great leader, why have you lead for so long and allowed the divisions among us to grow instead of shrink? Have you become someone else's errand boy?
How is it that we even have a need for this level of debate and discourse on what should have long ago been settled issues?
Do members need to pay more for good leadership, or is that very money the problem to begin with?
Until everyone returns to the days when an offense to one was an offense to all, we are drowning in failure and losing ground in economic terms as well as the value of self-worth.
Just try and remember that "freedom isn't free", and sometimes you just have to step outside your comfort zone and risk a little something.
Right now, the rank-and-file worker (and I don't just mean at UPS) is under more than one thumb. The pressure is only going to grow, and if cheap labor becomes even more accessible through government mandates you're going to learn what true struggle is all about. I suggest you so-called leaders dump the fact dodging and nit-picking and address the larger issues in a way that befits everyone and not just your own pride or agenda.
Now that I've vented let me close in pointing out that regarding the specific topic of this thread, there are some contractual levers you may apply depending upon which supplement you are covered under. Look for them.
In the Atlantic Area, note that a "legal holiday" has no contractual mechanism which can specifically deny you of that time off or pay, aside from failing to report on regular scheduled workdays following and proceeding - and then all that can be taken is the pay, not the time off.
Recognize that UPS' so-called reclassification of a legal holiday into a "scheduled workday" is riddled with opportunity to challenge.
For example, how can it be both?
Answer, it can't. Not legally anyway.
(An old BA taught me that trick decades ago. Seems he retired without handing the knowledge down because surely his replacements would be arguing that on the member's behalf, right? Of course such remarks might be interpretted as "conspiracy" talk any moment, so let's not be so bold as to insinuate such a thing and get belittled for it. Everyone knows everything is always transparent and above reproach.)
The only clear exception to work on holidays is the Article 40 language on air work on holidays. Read it. Package drivers can be forced to work alongside air drivers and air sorters.
Your "lever" is the "personal holiday" and accompanying language which permits the company to deny all but 5% (plus 1 vacation day) a personal day off when requested. An "approved" personal holiday request is confirmed in writing and duly signed by a representative of the company.
If your "legal" holiday was in any jeopardy of revocation, there must also be a methodology reduced to writing to deny your right to it. No such methodology exists, or at least it didn't when your contract was ratified. Any subsequent agreement on that subject would need to be voted upon by the rank and file.
Labor law will very likely support that premise, but as I'm no "BC attorney", I cannot give you definitive confirmation. It is however your best defense, and one that a union officer best not ignore. The US Department of Labor is there to protect you from any injustice, regardless the assailant. Never forget that. Call them in if you need them.
This being said, I'll step off and let the folks who claim to be your guardians and protectors debate the issue. They, after all are the ones who should have discussed this with you months ago, since they negotiated the language to begin with.
Happy Thanksgiving to those working and those not. Remember to give thanks for all your blessings. They may be more fleeting than you know!
truck will be full of send agains.
. Double time is sweet milk that quiets crying babies. I will work any day, at any time of day for double time. I wish I could come work for some of you guys for double time. I LUV some fracking double time. Where can I get some more?!
