The UPS Teamsters agreement for 2018 was a significant development for the thousands of unionized workers employed by the global shipping giant. The contract negotiations between the Teamsters and UPS lasted for several months, resulting in a new five-year agreement that covers over 250,000 UPS employees in the United States.
The newly agreed upon contract includes several key provisions that aim to improve the working conditions and compensation of the UPS workers. This includes a significant wage increase, with hourly wage rates rising from $10 an hour to $13 an hour by 2022. Additionally, the agreement includes increased pension contributions, improved health and welfare benefits, and greater job security for the employees.
One notable addition to the agreement is the establishment of a new category of drivers known as “hybrid drivers.” These workers will have the flexibility to work both in the package delivery and tractor-trailer operations, allowing UPS to optimize the use of its fleet and improve efficiency.
The UPS Teamsters agreement for 2018 also addresses concerns over work hours and scheduling. The new contract stipulates that employees must be given at least 9.5 hours between their shifts to ensure adequate rest. For part-time workers, the agreement ensures that they will receive more predictable schedules, with a minimum of four-hour shifts.
The new contract also includes provisions for addressing workplace harassment and discrimination. UPS has committed to implementing a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination, providing training for all managers and employees, and establishing a reporting process for incidents of harassment or discrimination.
Overall, the UPS Teamsters agreement for 2018 represents a significant step forward for UPS workers, providing them with improved wages, benefits, and job security. The contract negotiations demonstrate the importance of unionization in ensuring fair treatment and compensation for workers and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for workers` rights.