AI/automation: UPS Contract Proposal

[Tony R Cochran]

I submitted the following proposal to O'Brien directly in July 2022. I suppose it ended up in the rubbish bin. I have been talking about Automation Displacement and Mitigation Department (section 5) being built into every union contract. Considering it got no traction in 2023-28 UPS contract, here's the full text for other Teamster industries, bargaining units and unions.

Workforce Protection and Automation Safeguards

Section 1: Workforce Retention

(a) The Employer unequivocally commits to maintaining the current level of both part-time and full-time positions within the bargaining unit throughout the entire term of this agreement, barring unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of both parties and excluding voluntary separation or retirement.

(b) In the event of technological advancements, including but not limited to automation, that may result in a reduction of the workforce, the Employer shall not implement any such changes without the express written consent of the Union.

Section 2: Technological Impact Assessment

(a) Prior to the introduction or significant modification of any automated systems, the Employer shall conduct a comprehensive technological impact assessment. This assessment shall include a detailed analysis of the potential impact on the bargaining unit's employment levels, work hours, and job classifications.

(b) The results of the technological impact assessment shall be shared with the Union, and the Employer shall not proceed with any changes without the express written consent of the Union. Both parties shall engage in mandatory good-faith negotiations to identify and implement measures that eliminate or substantially mitigate adverse effects on the workforce.

Section 3: Retraining and Skill Development

(a) In the event of workforce reduction due to automation, the Employer agrees to provide affected employees with comprehensive retraining opportunities and skill development programs to ensure their ability to transition into other positions within the company.

(b) The Employer shall actively and immediately seek alternative employment opportunities for affected employees within the company, giving priority to those affected by automation-related job losses. No elimination of shifts shall occur without the express written consent of the Union.

Section 4: Prohibition on Layoffs

(a) For the entire duration of this agreement, the Employer explicitly prohibits any layoffs, whether part-time or full-time, directly attributable to automation, excluding situations of gross misconduct or other just cause. No elimination of shifts or reduction in work hours shall occur without the express written consent of the Union.

(b) In the event of unforeseen circumstances that necessitate workforce reduction, the Employer shall exhaust all possible alternatives, such as voluntary severance packages, early retirement options, or reduced work hours, before considering any form of involuntary layoffs. The Union's express written consent is required for any such measures.

Section 5: Automation Displacement Mitigation Department

(a) The Employer agrees to establish and fund an Automation Displacement Mitigation Department, which shall be run by the Union. The purpose of this department is to proactively address and mitigate the impact of automation on the workforce.

(b) The Department shall be responsible for overseeing retraining programs, skill development initiatives, and exploring alternative employment opportunities for affected employees. It shall also work to identify measures to prevent or minimize workforce reductions due to automation.

Section 6: Enhanced Dispute Resolution Mechanism

(a) Any dispute arising from the interpretation or application of this Article shall be subject to an expedited dispute resolution process, including mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration, as determined by the Joint Labor-Management Committee.

(b) The Employer shall not proceed with any changes related to automation without the express written consent of the Union. The Union commits to promptly and in good faith addressing any concerns related to potential workforce reduction, with the goal of reaching a resolution that safeguards the rights and interests of the bargaining unit.?

[Tony R Cochran]

And just so no one thinks O'Brien didn't receive it. He replied the following month. This letter also included my proposal to scrap the 4 year progression for 22.3s (making them go top-scale immediately upon attaining FT positions), aligning inside and drivers top-scale and providing FT jobs at 3 years in most facilities. And it included a contract clause for $25 an hour for part-timers with a part-time progression. Screenshot 2024-02-28 at 2.01.59?AM.png

[Thisischange?]

Translation; We shit canned your suggestions. Stay in the fight!

[Nickjamesups]

[WTF891]

Don't forget to score a PR assist for the turds at TDU.

[Davis]

What are you biching about Tony? They did win one of the ideas in your proposal, they now have to notify us when they eliminate our jobs. Some people are never satisfied.

[Tony R Cochran]

Ah, Davis, let's not forget to send out those heartfelt thank-you cards to the union, expressing our deepest gratitude for their stellar negotiation skills. After all, nothing says "job satisfaction" quite like receiving a formal notice of one's imminent termination.

[TheMilitantTeamster]

What happened to Johnny Sawyer?

[Tony R Cochran]

Correspondence with President Davison regarding my attempts to get the Local/JC or IBT involved in some type of campaign regarding these layoffs. Of course, I would like to have had some language in the CBA to address this; however, it appears that no one thought this might happen or made such a proposal.


Dear President Davison,



The petition I shared underscores the urgency of the situation, representing a unified call for action from our members who face the looming threat of layoffs. As a collective voice, we must respond not only with words but with decisive and impactful measures to protect the livelihoods of our union siblings.

However, there's a growing unease among our membership regarding the apparent absence of a strong condemnation from the International, Local, and Joint Council on this matter. This raises critical questions: Why has there not been a clear and vocal denouncement of these layoffs? Where is our collective response to the direct threat posed by automation, a menace that UPS, our employer, holds the right to implement across all inside jobs?
Automation is not just a future concern; it is an imminent danger to union jobs. We must acknowledge that UPS retaining the right to automate all inside jobs puts every member's employment at risk. The silence on this issue sends a concerning message about our commitment to protecting our members in the face of evolving challenges.

I implore you, President Davison, and our union leaders, to break this silence and condemn the proposed layoffs and the threat of automation. Our members deserve to know that their union is actively working to secure their jobs and standing against the encroachment of automation. We must actively organize and mobilize to counter the impending layoffs and safeguard our members' job security amidst the looming specter of automation.
Our solidarity is our greatest strength, and it is time for us to demonstrate that strength in action. I eagerly await your response and guidance on the immediate steps we can take to protect our members' jobs.

Sincerely,

Tony Cochran

On Feb 28, 2024, at 4:36?PM, Mark Davison <[email protected]> wrote:
Does your email concern a question of representation under your collective bargaining agreement, for example, the interpretation or application of that agreement, a potential or current grievance, or a pending workplace investigation?

If yes, contact your Business Agent Matt Konz at Local 162 at (503) 257-0162.

If no, receipt of your email is acknowledged and if a response is merited, one will be forthcoming.

If you are unsure how to answer the above question then contact your Business Agent Matt Konz at Local 162 at (503) 257-0162.

?

President Davison, Ben and Matt,

I hope that we can all agree on stopping these layoffs.

Please sign and circulate.

Petition attached.

?

[killAInow]

I can't believe the form letter response. I think you only got "acknowledged", better luck next time sucker.

[Mr. Teamster]

Correspondence with President Davison regarding my attempts to get the Local/JC or IBT involved in some type of campaign regarding these layoffs. Of course, I would like to have had some language in the CBA to address this; however, it appears that no one thought this might happen or made such a proposal.


Dear President Davison,



The petition I shared underscores the urgency of the situation, representing a unified call for action from our members who face the looming threat of layoffs. As a collective voice, we must respond not only with words but with decisive and impactful measures to protect the livelihoods of our union siblings.

However, there's a growing unease among our membership regarding the apparent absence of a strong condemnation from the International, Local, and Joint Council on this matter. This raises critical questions: Why has there not been a clear and vocal denouncement of these layoffs? Where is our collective response to the direct threat posed by automation, a menace that UPS, our employer, holds the right to implement across all inside jobs?
Automation is not just a future concern; it is an imminent danger to union jobs. We must acknowledge that UPS retaining the right to automate all inside jobs puts every member's employment at risk. The silence on this issue sends a concerning message about our commitment to protecting our members in the face of evolving challenges.

I implore you, President Davison, and our union leaders, to break this silence and condemn the proposed layoffs and the threat of automation. Our members deserve to know that their union is actively working to secure their jobs and standing against the encroachment of automation. We must actively organize and mobilize to counter the impending layoffs and safeguard our members' job security amidst the looming specter of automation.
Our solidarity is our greatest strength, and it is time for us to demonstrate that strength in action. I eagerly await your response and guidance on the immediate steps we can take to protect our members' jobs.

Sincerely,

Tony Cochran

On Feb 28, 2024, at 4:36?PM, Mark Davison <[email protected]> wrote:
Does your email concern a question of representation under your collective bargaining agreement, for example, the interpretation or application of that agreement, a potential or current grievance, or a pending workplace investigation?

If yes, contact your Business Agent Matt Konz at Local 162 at (503) 257-0162.

If no, receipt of your email is acknowledged and if a response is merited, one will be forthcoming.

If you are unsure how to answer the above question then contact your Business Agent Matt Konz at Local 162 at (503) 257-0162.

?

President Davison, Ben and Matt,

I hope that we can all agree on stopping these layoffs.

Please sign and circulate.

Petition attached.

?

You and Davison are perfect for each other. Some of us are making popcorn ?

[Tony R Cochran]

You and Davison are perfect for each other. Some of us are making popcorn ?

Unfortunately, for the UPS Teamsters losing their jobs, their healthcare--for themselves and their families--this is not some "spectator sport." We are dealing with mass layoffs that will continue throughout the course of this contract because there are no provisions regarding union consent for AI/automation or protection from layoffs in this CBA.

[Mr. Teamster]

Unfortunately, for the UPS Teamsters losing their jobs, their healthcare--for themselves and their families--this is not some "spectator sport." We are dealing with mass layoffs that will continue throughout the course of this contract because there are no provisions regarding union consent for AI/automation or protection from layoffs in this CBA.

[TheMilitantTeamster]

[TheMilitantTeamster]

Job layoffs and reductions in hours are happening all over! What world are you in?