I've been working in the operating engineers union for the last 35 years, primarily as a crane operator. My son is a UPS driver, he's been with UPS for 12 years, 4 part time, 8 as a package car driver. This is just my own opinion, so that's why I'm posting instead of him. One of the issues he's talked to me about regarding the upcoming contract is the possibility of the company wanting a two tiered wage system. I'm urging all of you to seriously look at this issue, and never let it creep it's way into UPS. Here's why: a two tiered wage structure has historically been the first step in any companies attempt at getting rid of the union. Think about it.... It's the classic divide and conquer strategy. UPS will intentionally create an "us against them" mentality amongst the drivers; full rate drivers versus tier two drivers. It won't happen overnight, but eventually there will be as many tier two drivers as full rate drivers. Dissension amongst the rank and file will be fierce. Then the company will come in and offer to adjust the tier two pay rate to something close to the full rate, provided the union is voted out. Please don't consider any contract language that wants a two tiered wage structure. There are many who came before all of you who work every hard to secure the wages and benefits that you all have. You guys work way too hard, and your job is becoming more demanding every year. It's amazing how hard you all work! Don't go backwards. Don't be fooled by some signing bonus, or a promise to lighten daily workload in exchange for a two tiered wage structure. I've seen it happen I'm the past- don't let UPS become one of those jobs that "used to be a good paying job". Again, just my own opinion.
Outsiders opinion about your 2018 contract
- Thread starter Local1
- Start date
Jackburton
Gone Fish'n
I read about two sentences and had to call upon Mr Wiggles to get me through the rest
1989
Well-Known Member
A box of donuts.
Wally
BrownCafe Innovator & King of Puns
Then, I vote no.
retired2000
Well-Known Member
Thanks for giving your advice but these young kids do not care. Just look st our vote about cutting our pension over 20,00 did not vote. All those counted as a yes vote to cut the pension
3 done 3 to go
In control of own destiny
The union busted the union. Hoffa started it and ended it. Ironic.
Wally
BrownCafe Innovator & King of Puns
Well then, what can we get to sell out?
Gear
Parts on Order
Operating Engineers for 35 years. I believe you've seen excellent union jobs turn into ok union jobs. You guys work along side other union shops. All those union jobs that went backwards were a direct effect of greedy hourly workers only concerned about themselves. And the company taking advantage of that fact. They cut the throats of the younger guys to gain a penny. The days of protecting the job are over, probably since the early 90s.
I know of 2 different utility companies around me where the old timers allowed the company to go backwards so they could gain. Water company- Top seniority guys get a pension and 401k. New guys get the 401k only, same company match, lost the pension. Top seniority guys get 6 weeks of vacation. Guys after a certain date get 4 weeks. 2 weeks of vacation lost there. Plus adding to the top rate progression to 8 years
The old guys got their's, screw everyone else. They new guys didn't "pay their dues".
Same as the electric company. Top guys get the pension and 401k. Guys after a certain date get the 401k.
Here at UPS, things were taken away from the part timers. The full timers blame it on the part timers not voting. But they didn't have to agree with all the concessions.
Most union jobs took their turn on the chopping block. We'll get ours. UPS is a extremely greedy environment, from the top down to full rate employees. Plus alot of us live in a brown bubble and dont see the losses other union jobs have taken. If the choice comes down to the loss of a penny or two tier wage system for new guys, its going to be the two tier system. We will be no different than all the other union jobs. We just happen to be towards the back of the line.
I know of 2 different utility companies around me where the old timers allowed the company to go backwards so they could gain. Water company- Top seniority guys get a pension and 401k. New guys get the 401k only, same company match, lost the pension. Top seniority guys get 6 weeks of vacation. Guys after a certain date get 4 weeks. 2 weeks of vacation lost there. Plus adding to the top rate progression to 8 years
The old guys got their's, screw everyone else. They new guys didn't "pay their dues".
Same as the electric company. Top guys get the pension and 401k. Guys after a certain date get the 401k.
Here at UPS, things were taken away from the part timers. The full timers blame it on the part timers not voting. But they didn't have to agree with all the concessions.
Most union jobs took their turn on the chopping block. We'll get ours. UPS is a extremely greedy environment, from the top down to full rate employees. Plus alot of us live in a brown bubble and dont see the losses other union jobs have taken. If the choice comes down to the loss of a penny or two tier wage system for new guys, its going to be the two tier system. We will be no different than all the other union jobs. We just happen to be towards the back of the line.
olroadbeech
Happy Verified UPSer
you should have read it. he has a good point but if it's too much trouble then .........
Indecisi0n
Well-Known Member
You have cricket wireless, are you poor?
Rick Ross
I'm into distribution!!
With a progression that keeps wages at 50-65% of top pay (rough guesstimate) through the first 4 years, we already have the beginnings of a two tiered wage. Couple that with the 9.5 restrictions and it's even more of a gift to the company.
A four year progression is fine for an apprentice learning a skill...not a person delivering packages for a living.
A four year progression is fine for an apprentice learning a skill...not a person delivering packages for a living.
1989
Well-Known Member
We do have two tiered wages with drivers and inside ft employees.
Brownslave688
You want a toe? I can get you a toe.
What was the other option? Just let it go under?
JL 0513
Well-Known Member
If UPS tries and extends progression again, imagine 5 years, that would be awful. It's one of the things I'm anxious to see what happens. 5 years would getting to the point of not being worth becoming a driver.
Brownslave688
You want a toe? I can get you a toe.
5 years is as long as I'm willing to stretch it out but the raises would have to be much better. Like $2 an hour every 6 months or something.
Jackburton
Gone Fish'n
If paying $100, taxes included, for 5 lines with 4gigs of LTE data per line on the AT&T network means I'm poor, I guess so.
Did I mention you can also get refill cards at 15-20% off face value pretty much all the time?
But for those paying $300/month for 4 people, keep on keeping on.
Indecisi0n
Well-Known Member
Oh honey, it's ok. We won't think any less of you.
Similar threads
