ITOC calls for mass mobilization against layoffs

[Tony R Cochran]

UPS Teamsters are confronting a daunting reality: the 2023-2028 contract provides no layoff protection for workers, especially in the face of AI and automation advancements. This means that as technology continues to evolve, our jobs are increasingly at risk. It's evident that we need to take proactive measures to defend our livelihoods.

In the short term, before the next contract negotiation, UPS Teamsters can take several concrete actions to address the challenges posed by AI/automation and the lack of layoff protection. Here are some practical steps:

Contract Enforcement

• Vigilantly enforce the terms of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), particularly filing grievances for supervisors and managers doing union work.
• Ensure compliance with new Surepost requirements as outlined in the CBA, holding the company accountable for adhering to agreed-upon standards.

Strike

• The contract does nothing to protect our jobs. And with job cuts it is clear there will there be no new full-time inside jobs. We were told this was the "best" contract ever, despite having wages below the 1970s adjusted for inflation. If UPS plans on giving our jobs to robots, then we have no other option but to strike.
• Building for a strike during a contract to combat these layoffs is essential and we need to do just that. Fighting back is no longer optional. Our pensions, healthcare and housing are on the line.

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