Teamsters Convention Highlights - June 29, 2006

The proceedings at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters 27th Convention have included a number of issues that directly impact FedEx workers and all workers in the transportation industry.

The 1,800 delegates unanimously approved a resolution that commits the full power of the IBT to bringing FedEx workers into the Teamsters union.  The delegation committed the strength of the IBT and the Teamster membership to help solve problems FedEx workers face today - like ending the phony independent contractor classification scheme for Ground and Home Delivery drivers - and drive towards the ultimate goal of organizing FedEx workers.

There were two big announcements of developments with UPS that show how Teamsters representation brings real benefits to UPS workers. 

The Teamsters and UPS agreed to enter into early negotiations to move towards a new national bargaining agreement that will insure further success for UPS Teamster members and Big Brown.  FedEx salespeople should see clearly that they willl not be able to put any doubt into UPS customers' minds while the two sides are at the negotiating table. 

Also, the Teamsters and UPS entered into an historic agreement to allow for card check recognition in organizing UPS Freight/Overnite.   The convention floor erupted into cheers when Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced the agreement.  Essentially, UPS management will not interfere with or intimidate its workers in joining the Teamsters and they will allow UPS Freight workers to join the Teamsters under a stream-lined process.   Teamsters all around the country will join together to bring UPS Freight workers into the union under this card check and neutrality agreement.  And UPS Freight workers will finally get the good wages, benefits and security of a Teamsters contract.

Rolf Buttner, the Postal Division Director at Ver.di - the German United Service Union and the largest union at DHL's corporate parent Duetsche Post WorldNet - brought a clear message of solidarity and strength to the delegation.  Ver.di members make up 90% of the Duetsch Post WorldNet workforce in Germany.  Buttner pledged to work hand in hand with the Teamsters and said "We want Teamster members to get collective bargaining agreements from coast to coast at DHL in the United States."

The convention clearly shows that Teamsters will put the power of the entire union behind the drive to organize workers in the delivery industry - at UPS, at DHL and at FedEx.