I've been reading the contract more and more throughout these past weeks. I have also been searching the web. I am trying to figure out where we stand.
First, i really think a few of you on here are management. Especially when calling for any resignations of our Union Officers and upset at Liam for winning grievances.
Second, the grievance procedure, i found out, has two "avenues" if you will. One for contract interpretation violations and another for disciplinary violations.
Liam is getting the contract interpretation violations paid, as it shows in the magazine (9.5, sups working, etc.). One of the many reasons we like him here in Maspeth (Liam keeps getting me checks!). I said it before, he is a fighter and he makes us feel better when he is here.
What Liam was angry about was UPS violating the disciplinary grievance procedure. He yelled it loud and clear! Many times! Non-working 72's ( which I can't find anywhere in the contract- maybe one of you supes on here can point it out) and no proven or admitted dishonesty. I found Liam's points under article 12:
ARTICLE 12 SUSPENSION OR DISCHARGE
Section 1 - Immediate Suspension or Discharge
The following shall be causes for immediate suspension or discharge of an employee: drinking, or proven or admitted dishonesty. See Article 18, Section 1 (a).
(Then this part refers you exactly to the grievance procedure in article 18)
In cases not involving the theft of money or merchandise an employee will remain on the job until a hearing is held with the business agent. Such hearing will take place within 72 hours
(It says members stay on the job! It seems this non- working 72 stuff is made up!!)
I am no lawyer by far, and not trying to be a locker room lawyer either, it just seems that Liam was right.
Article 18.5 says the company can have there way with us if the walkout is illegal. So if what Liam did is legal, (like I said I am no lawyer so I hope someone intelligent and experienced weighs in on this) then it is the members who finally had their way with the company (listen to the cheers at the end of the video! Even after Liam predicts what UPS will do- discharge, get rid of him,- someone yells It's about time!)
We finally found out that UPS is trying to ban Liam from the buildings and the Union is fighting it without raising more hell first. I don't know what you think, but it looks to me that you only ban someone who you perceive to be a threat! Does UPS feel Liam might have done something legal?
It's true that when the company bans the B.A., says we are all fired, and keeps us in limbo, that it will create some fear (probably why UPS did these three things). They even started all our stewards up early to reloop areas right after the protest (keep stewards away from members, more fear mongering?). I have kept my mind off fear with all the contract reading and web browsing. Don't forget the arbitration posted here by "news", thanks again, said the union has a right to strike if the company does not abide by the procedures prescribed for settling disputes and differences.
I am from Maspeth. I was there that day and saw it first hand. I talk to the drivers everyday since it happened. Are we nervous about the unknown? Yes, who wouldn't be, but We support what Liam did then and Tim and the rest of the board is doing now! These petitions are gathering political support, joint council and IBT support, and country wide support! (teamsterslocal804) read it for yourselves.
We only want UPS talking with the Union, your support on the petitions, and a building meeting now to see what's next!!
