Today in Charlotte (CLT) Local 71 representing.
Monday, September 29, 2014
John Craig > Bring the Teamsters to Fed Ex Freight 3 hours ago ·
FedEx Health Benefits Suck!
The gutting of our healthcare care plan earlier this year while drastically increasing premiums had very little to do with Obamacare and everything to do with saving the company tons of money, improving profit per share and pumping up the bottom line. Basically enriching upper management off of our very own backs!! Yeah, and we are a "people company".
This is a big deal that will cost most of us dearly going forward. Contract Now!
The UPS plan and countless other union plans DID NOT suffer the same fate this year. Go look at the UPS Freight Teamcare Healthcare plan. It blows the FedEx plan
FedEx Freight Health Benefits vs. UPS TeamCare IBT Health Plan
2014 UPS Teamcare IBT Plan
Employee contribution: $0
Deductible: $0
Out of pocket maximum: $1000 per person
Primary physician care co-pay: $10
Prescription drugs: $5 max
2014 FedEx Freight Hi Healthcare Option
Employee contribution: Aprox. $285/mo
Deductible: $3600
Out of pocket max: $9600
Primary care physician co-pay: 20 PERCENT!
Prescription drugs: $100 max
FedEx Health Benefits Suck!
The gutting of our healthcare care plan earlier this year while drastically increasing premiums had very little to do with Obamacare and everything to do with saving the company tons of money, improving profit per share and pumping up the bottom line. Basically enriching upper management off of our very own backs!! Yeah, and we are a "people company".
This is a big deal that will cost most of us dearly going forward. Contract Now!
The UPS plan and countless other union plans DID NOT suffer the same fate this year. Go look at the UPS Freight Teamcare Healthcare plan. It blows the FedEx plan
FedEx Freight Health Benefits vs. UPS TeamCare IBT Health Plan
2014 UPS Teamcare IBT Plan
Employee contribution: $0
Deductible: $0
Out of pocket maximum: $1000 per person
Primary physician care co-pay: $10
Prescription drugs: $5 max
2014 FedEx Freight Hi Healthcare Option
Employee contribution: Aprox. $285/mo
Deductible: $3600
Out of pocket max: $9600
Primary care physician co-pay: 20 PERCENT!
Prescription drugs: $100 max
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Friday, September 26, 2014
Bring the Teamsters to Fed Ex Freight
SHAME ON YOU FEDEX!!!!
People first is what we are told everyday. This couldn't be any further from the truth! If this company treated it's people as they should've in the first place we the people would not have sought out the union. FedEx claims to want to make it right. If this were true they would allow the people they say they put first to have our elections, stop putting in appeals that they know ahead of time they are gonna lose and doing so just to delay giving the employees what they want.
We challenge the company to stop trying to road block and delay any and all elections! We challenge the company to give the people they put first what they want which is uncontested elections.
We challenge Fedex to stop extending the WAR it has declared on it's employees! Every action so far the company has taken against the employees organizing is an assault on it's employees and should be viewed as nothing less.
We will say it again. SHAME ON YOU FEDEX!!!
Here is your chance to do the right thing for your employees in the national spotlight! END THE WAR YOU HAVE DECLARED US!
People first is what we are told everyday. This couldn't be any further from the truth! If this company treated it's people as they should've in the first place we the people would not have sought out the union. FedEx claims to want to make it right. If this were true they would allow the people they say they put first to have our elections, stop putting in appeals that they know ahead of time they are gonna lose and doing so just to delay giving the employees what they want.
We challenge the company to stop trying to road block and delay any and all elections! We challenge the company to give the people they put first what they want which is uncontested elections.
We challenge Fedex to stop extending the WAR it has declared on it's employees! Every action so far the company has taken against the employees organizing is an assault on it's employees and should be viewed as nothing less.
We will say it again. SHAME ON YOU FEDEX!!!
Here is your chance to do the right thing for your employees in the national spotlight! END THE WAR YOU HAVE DECLARED US!
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Great Infromation from "Change Conway To Win"
Union Busters set Camp Posted: 23 Sep 2014 12:31 PM PDT
Okay brothers… the war has started! Union busters are setting up their headquarters at ULX. Prepare yourself, take notes and write down everything they say. Lie and fear tactics are the weapons they will use to discourage you. Keep checking this blog; we will be posting every lie here Union busting is a multi-million dollar industry to take away your rights, they also call themselves “union avoidance” their goal is to take away the chance to vote for union representation. They will be holding captive meetings, forcing employees into one on one meeting with supervisors. This union busters and Conway management will break the law using fear and coercion to discourage you from voting "YES" to form a union.
Okay brothers… the war has started! Union busters are setting up their headquarters at ULX. Prepare yourself, take notes and write down everything they say. Lie and fear tactics are the weapons they will use to discourage you. Keep checking this blog; we will be posting every lie here Union busting is a multi-million dollar industry to take away your rights, they also call themselves “union avoidance” their goal is to take away the chance to vote for union representation. They will be holding captive meetings, forcing employees into one on one meeting with supervisors. This union busters and Conway management will break the law using fear and coercion to discourage you from voting "YES" to form a union.
Have you ever heard ...
Have you ever heard the phrase "what can the Teamsters guarantee me"? Well, there is a guarantee the Teamsters can make. Without a union you have no say in your pay, your benefits or policies. That without a union you are forced to accept whatever the company decides to give you, and history has shown us what that can be.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Friday, September 19, 2014
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
FedEx warehouse workers in Canada join union in N. America first
VANCOUVER, Sept 17
(Reuters) - Workers at a FedEx Corp warehouse in western Canada have successfully unionized, the first employees besides pilots at the package delivery company to organize in North America, a local Teamsters union said on Wednesday.
The majority of dock associates at FedEx Freight Canada in Surrey, British Columbia, signed cards with the Teamsters stating they wish to be represented by the union. The Teamsters already represent Canadian workers at rival shippers United Parcel Service Inc and Purolator, a Canadian courier majority owned by Canadian Post Corp.
It has come to our attention today at the CIN terminal there were several heated meetings. We are getting reports from several sources at the center that management was provoking the drivers to argue with each other and not stopping it. Reports also indicate that at least 2 meetings drivers almost came to blows.
This is how the company who claims to care will conduct it's self.
This is just another attack on the employees in the war that the company has waged against us.
VOTE YES!
This is how the company who claims to care will conduct it's self.
This is just another attack on the employees in the war that the company has waged against us.
VOTE YES!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Today we were forced to watch a video of Bill Logue speaking out against the Union. He had stated that fedex freight has weathered the storm and now because the company is doing well the teamsters want a piece of the action.
What he failed to mention is we sought out the teamsters.
He claimed because of the economy the company has made some mistakes and wants to make it right.
Well sir the economy has nothing to do with a driver score card. The economy has nothing to do with no written rules. The economy has nothing to do with the bs write ups and your supervisors harassing us everyday when we are just trying to make a living!
He made no mention of fixing our terrible benefits high copays and ridiculous deductibles or emergency room penalties.
You sir can not be trusted and it's your greed and discontent for your employees that brought the teamsters.
YOU DID THIS BILL!!!!
A VOTE FOR THE TEAMSTERS IS A VOTE AGAINST BILL LOGUE!
What he failed to mention is we sought out the teamsters.
He claimed because of the economy the company has made some mistakes and wants to make it right.
Well sir the economy has nothing to do with a driver score card. The economy has nothing to do with no written rules. The economy has nothing to do with the bs write ups and your supervisors harassing us everyday when we are just trying to make a living!
He made no mention of fixing our terrible benefits high copays and ridiculous deductibles or emergency room penalties.
You sir can not be trusted and it's your greed and discontent for your employees that brought the teamsters.
YOU DID THIS BILL!!!!
A VOTE FOR THE TEAMSTERS IS A VOTE AGAINST BILL LOGUE!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Conway's Ceo Anti-union Meeting
The teamsters have viewed the video and I hear they will be filing a law suit for slander. Conway management should also be sued for breaking the twenty-four hour law before an election, which is a lack of respect for the law. The day before the election, Conway management held multiple meetings with dock workers and also one on one meetings with drivers, in order to influence their votes. They were also following drivers around the yard, showing them a copy of the voting ballots, and telling them to vote "No". Don't let these scripted lies influence your vote. Vote "Yes".
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
Sunday, September 14, 2014
The support this movement is receiving is phenomenal!!! Thank you to all of our supporters and most of all thank you to the brave men and women who are leading the charge to make this all possible.
The company has waged war against us employees and our families. Every donut, every slice of pizza and every car wash and cookout the company has purchased is to try to get you to turn on your work place brother. Do not sell your future so cheap.
Remember all of the abuses the company has committed. Terrible health care with insanely high copay and deductibles, no days off without attendance points, no honor to seniority, scorecard, unfair critical write ups , delayed wages, no written handbook, no reasonable cause, guilty if the red shirt says you are , disciplinary coachings put in your file without your knowledge, terrible pension, write ups from 10 years prior never go away, scab drivers, purchase carriers, and the list goes on and on.
TOGETHER WE STAND
DIVIDED WE BEG
The company has waged war against us employees and our families. Every donut, every slice of pizza and every car wash and cookout the company has purchased is to try to get you to turn on your work place brother. Do not sell your future so cheap.
Remember all of the abuses the company has committed. Terrible health care with insanely high copay and deductibles, no days off without attendance points, no honor to seniority, scorecard, unfair critical write ups , delayed wages, no written handbook, no reasonable cause, guilty if the red shirt says you are , disciplinary coachings put in your file without your knowledge, terrible pension, write ups from 10 years prior never go away, scab drivers, purchase carriers, and the list goes on and on.
TOGETHER WE STAND
DIVIDED WE BEG
Saturday, September 13, 2014
"VICTORY!" for Conway Freight in Laredo Texas
Con-Way Freight Workers in Texas Join Teamsters Local 657
On September 12, 2014, drivers and dockworkers at Con-Way Freight in Laredo, Texas voted to join Teamsters Local 657.
“This is a great victory for the workers at Con-Way and we hope this campaign spreads,” said Frank Perkins, President of San Antonio-based Local 657. “These workers are seeking fair wages, respect on the job and job security. They also want to have a pension and improved health care coverage.”
There are 113 workers in the bargaining unit.
“We chose Laredo because it is the busiest inland port in the United States,” Perkins said. “Seven thousand trucks cross the border with Mexico every day.”
On September 9, Teamsters Joint Council 42 in Southern California filed for election at three Con-Way terminals.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Teamsters aim to organize FedEx Freight Indy drivers
Jeff Swiatek, jeff.swiatek@indystar.com
The Teamsters union is trying to whip up pro-union sentiment among 250 local FedEx Freight drivers as it lays the groundwork for a possible unionization vote.
An organizing campaign that began in January "is going absolutely great," and an election could be coming for the drivers to vote on unionizing, said Jeff Combs, an organizer for Teamsters Local 135 in Indianapolis.
"Hopefully we will be filing for an election in the next 60 to 90 days with the National Labor Relations Board," Combs said.
FedEx has consistently fought efforts to unionize its drivers and Combs said the company is opposing the local unionization drive.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
It is with great pleasure we announce that the South Newark, NJ Hub (SNW) has joined the campaign in Bringing the Teamsters to FedEx Freight and filed a petition with the NLRB today. SNW is the eighth terminal to file and brings us to 1100 employees in the fight for representation and a better place to work.
The South Newark, NJ (SNW) facility is a hub and rail terminal as well as P&D covering North Jersey and New York. Congratulations to everyone at SNW!!!
CIN, EPH, SBR, NEW, RCH, NHS, CLT, and now SNW
Together We Stand, Together We Win!
The South Newark, NJ (SNW) facility is a hub and rail terminal as well as P&D covering North Jersey and New York. Congratulations to everyone at SNW!!!
CIN, EPH, SBR, NEW, RCH, NHS, CLT, and now SNW
Together We Stand, Together We Win!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Keep track folks, that's seven locations that have now stood up. Seven locations not afraid to be noticed. Seven locations that are sending a message to FedEx Freight saying "We have had enough of being taken advantage of, enough of being oppressed with the constant implementation of policies that punish instead of reward and enough of being treated like peasants who should be thankful of the mere pittance the company throws our way". What we have been given recently by the company is only by necessity not out of desire. These concessions can easily be taken away if for a moment we cave or concede. Stay strong and stay unified. Let's get the representation we deserve. Who's next to take that same step so many have already taken?
Yet again, we are pleased to announce ANOTHER location has petitioned the NLRB for an election. Welcome, Charlotte NC (CLT) in joining the fight! With our brothers and sisters in CLT we are now approximately 1000 employees strong. Our cause has spread from the Northeast, mid Atlantic and now into the south. Who will be next to step up in 'Bringing the Teamsters to FedEx Freight'? Stay Tuned.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Fedex Teamsters Chronicles Interview with Cliff Armstrong.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Cliff is a future Teamster. He is an organizer with the Fedex Teamsters in Fontana Service Center driving Pick Up and Delivery. He is 54 years old and he has 30 years of service with Fedex Freight/Viking Freight.
Q: To the best of your knowledge how much will you receive when you retire?
A: I will receive $1100 per month with my Fedex pension. With social security I will receive $1300 per month. So a total of $2400 dollars per month. You know after 30 years of service the Fedex Pension plan stops growing for me. This simply means I won't get one penny more after 30 years with the Fedex pension, but with a teamsters Pension I will keep growing my pension until I retire. Plus I won't have any medical insurance to speak of with fedex's pension, but the Teamsters have retiree medical something fedex is too cheap to give to their employees. I guess fedex just doesn't care when the employees retire if the employees have medical insurance or not.
Q: How comfortable are you with your retirement plan from Fedex?
A: I'm not comfortable with the Fedex pension at all. New pension or old pension is all the same. A complete fantasy. There is no medical plan to fall back on. I don't know what I'll do for medical insurance when I retire. It's going to be hard for me to live on that 1100 dollar a month pension Fedex is going to give me.
Q: What do you think about the NEW revamped pension plan Fedex is putting out there now that people are unionizing?
A: With the new pension plan, with my age and years of service I think this new plan stinks. The Fedex management is trying to simulate the Teamsters pension in a much cheaper version which will hurt employees in the long run. It's similar to the Teamsters golden 80's which combines years with length of service. I will get 36,000 dollars from this pension plan that's it. This amount with the new Fedex pension plan will be drawn off of the Treasury Rate. Let's say an employee, for sake of the conversation we will call the person Bugsy, would get 50,000 dollars after ten years of service. So say Bugsy works 20 years and gets 100,000 dollars. Bugsy then after taxes on that money which is drawn in a lump sum gets 75,000 dollars. This 75,000 dollars will only last Bugsy for 1 or 2 years tops. This is a weak retirement. Both Fedex pensions are pathetic and I feel the new pension plan is even more pathetic than the old one. The Fedex Corporation stresses a 401k plan, but the 401k plan goes up and down like a yo-yo. So you have to ask yourself is this plan secure for you and your future? Or are you going to rely on a yo-yo for your retirement? Is the 401k going to be up or down?
Q: What do you think of the so-called retirement estimator being passed around by the management at Fedex Freight?
A: I think it is like Disneyland. The retirement estimator is something out of fantasy land. It is pure nonsense. It is like setting up your retirement using a crystal ball. I have worked for fedex freight/Viking for 30 tough years and I feel very insulted by this retirement estimator. Everything about the old pension was a secret for the last 30 years, but now since there is a mass interest in unionizing the company is scared a union will come in. I feel as if the pension plan should have now and always have been public information for all employees to look at anytime they want to. I don't understand all of the secrecy and lies from the management.
Q: What would be a direct impact of unionizing Fedex Freight?
A: With a union the benefits package would be included in the union dues which means we as employees would pay less in benefits per month. The dues are 2 and a half times what we make per hour. With Fedex you have Fred Smith and a lot of corporate greed going on with the employees having to bear the brunt of paying more for health insurance, a terrible pension plan, and a fantastical retirement scheme involving a 401k. What a scam. The Fedex management is just taking more and more advantage of the employees trying to get a lot paying for very little.
Q: Do you think a Union would be good or bad for Fedex Freight?
A: I think that the Teamsters Union would be great for Fedex Freight. We will have an enhanced medical plan with little to no co-pay for medical visits and prescriptions. I will have a good retirement and favoritism till soon be eliminated with a union. If the company continues to try and cut my overtime the union will step in and demand that my seniority be respected. It is about respect. Also, I will have good backup if the company tries to write me up for no good reason. This is called a grievance procedure not a sham that is done now with a gestapo type management berating employees.
Q: What kind of future do you see for the Fedex Teamsters unionizing Fedex Freight?
A: I think the Fedex Teamsters have a very positive future. I see a binding Teamsters Union contract in our future. No more empty company promises. Fedex Freight employees will make more money per hour with better benefits, but the company will also have a lower turnover rate saving money and keeping employees working. Fedex Freight tells us we have the best company, but Fedex doesn't pay us or treat us like the best. You have to ask yourself,"What's wrong with this picture?"
Fedex Teamster Chronicles
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Fedex Teamster Chronicles
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Q: To the best of your knowledge how much will you receive when you retire?
A: When I retire after 33 years of being a proud Teamster I will receive 4100 dollars per month.
Q: Is that 4100 dollars per month include your Teamster Pension, 401k, and social security?
A: No, that 4100 dollars per month is just my Teamsters Pension. If I include my 401k and social security with my pension then I will receive 6100 dollars per month.
Q: How comfortable are you with your retirement?
A: I am tremendously comfortable with my retirement. God Bless the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for making it happen with the benefits they bargained for over the years. I am grateful for my Teamsters Pension you can't live on just social security and a 401k. The 401k goes up and down at the whim of the stock market. Sure the 401k helps, but you can't make future plans on a hope that the stock market will do well and social security doesn't get privatized. I firmly believe that with a Union contract I have secured my future.
Q: What is your opinion on the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and their impact on the American workforce?
A: If it weren't for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters there would be a super Wal-Mart or a group of companies treating their employees terribly like Fedex. At non-union companies like Fedex there is no Union contract which means no grievance procedure which places hard working employees at the mercy of CEOs who change policy at every whim to suit the company's needs.
Q: Are Unions necessary to obtain a decent retirement package?
A: Absolutely. That's what a Union contract is for. You can't deal with a 401k alone for a retirement plan. I have the Western Conference Teamsters Pension and a 401k. With the International Brotherhood of Teamsters I have the total package. They have blessed my life and they have enriched my future. Fedex has put the money that they would've paid their employees in their own pockets at the expense of hard working employees who deserve retiree medical and the best pension out there the Western Conference Teamsters Pension. I am confident with a Teamsters Pension I will be able to retire comfortably with peace.
Q: Are you confident you will not have to return to work once you retire because of financial hardship?
A: Yes, I am confident I will not have to return to work once I retire because there will be no reason for me to return to work. I have more then a substantial amount of income to live the way I am accustomed to right now. I don't have to spend my time worrying about where the money is going to come from because I am guaranteed the money in my Teamsters Pension. Plus I have retiree medical which was negotiated in the contract by the Teamsters who safeguarded my future. When the Teamsters go to the bargaining table they bring the most important voice to the table. The voice of the workers.
Q: What do you think of Joe Nuno and the various organizing committees organizing fedex thoughout Southern California?
A: I think it is fantastic to see the Fedex Teamsters involved and persistent to change the environment in their workplace. The Fedex Teamsters have a great and devoted following. It takes a lot to stand up to the constant harassment from the Fedex management and gain a voice in the workplace forming a union. There's a right way and a wrong way to live life and I am encouraged to see people fighting for their rights. I am honored to stand with you guys. It is also very encouraging to see Joey Nuno with his father, Joe Nuno. It is very touching to see a father bring up his son with a deep passion for other people's rights putting other people's needs above his own. I am pleased to see the bright future joined between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Fedex.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Saturday, February 16, 2008 Message From Senior WatchDog ...
This is a post from awhile back, but still holds true today. I guess things around here at FedEx Freight haven't gotten any better in the last six years? You decide.
Where there’s people there’s power!!
If the employees at Fed-Ex Freight or any division of Fed-Ex we’re motivated by desire instead of motivated by fear, we would be a much more successful company.
Being motivated by fear is old school. But it’s very sad to see new managers moving up in the ranks, anticipating the opportunity to use fear, as a means of control, or to enforce their own power unfairly and unethically. This gives answers to a lot of the problems in our leadership today, which really makes representation, or a union necessary.
Fed-Ex has all the right slogans, acronyms, acrostics, and experience, to stay successful even with representation. Not to mention the pride of the company, which a majority of employees have.
But there is another issue of pride; the negative, egotistical pride that is held by our senior officers, and managers; That is; holding on strong to the reputation that “we’ve never had, or never needed a third party”, or “Union” The senior officers and management look at the Union as an Albatross around the neck of the company, ready to take it down, but instead of being open minded about what their employees want or need. But instead we have seen a lot of programs, campaigning, and other ways to deter the employees away from the idea of a Union.
It is also very sad, to see our managers / senior officers go through such physical distress at FXFW, because of holding on to the reputation of, “never needing a third party” or Union for their employees. I think it’s time we start applying our own company slogans to this issue. Like “work smarter not harder”, because if by chance, the employees acquire representation, it will be a bitter defeat for our senior officers and managers, but if they would just “listen” to their employees, and compromise or agree on a contract agreement, this could save much heartache for everyone. Just remember “where there’s unity there’s power” in the people.
In a day where corporations like Fed-Ex are making financial decisions, using employee funds and bonus programs to defer expenses in operations, can only be fully investigated through a third party interest, in which at this time we have none. This leaves the employees at Fed-Ex vulnerable to the conclusion of their calculations, of where and how is our hard earned money being spent.
THE TIME TO ORGANIZE IS NOW! BE WISE AND ORGANIZE!
Where there’s people there’s power!!
If the employees at Fed-Ex Freight or any division of Fed-Ex we’re motivated by desire instead of motivated by fear, we would be a much more successful company.
Being motivated by fear is old school. But it’s very sad to see new managers moving up in the ranks, anticipating the opportunity to use fear, as a means of control, or to enforce their own power unfairly and unethically. This gives answers to a lot of the problems in our leadership today, which really makes representation, or a union necessary.
Fed-Ex has all the right slogans, acronyms, acrostics, and experience, to stay successful even with representation. Not to mention the pride of the company, which a majority of employees have.
But there is another issue of pride; the negative, egotistical pride that is held by our senior officers, and managers; That is; holding on strong to the reputation that “we’ve never had, or never needed a third party”, or “Union” The senior officers and management look at the Union as an Albatross around the neck of the company, ready to take it down, but instead of being open minded about what their employees want or need. But instead we have seen a lot of programs, campaigning, and other ways to deter the employees away from the idea of a Union.
It is also very sad, to see our managers / senior officers go through such physical distress at FXFW, because of holding on to the reputation of, “never needing a third party” or Union for their employees. I think it’s time we start applying our own company slogans to this issue. Like “work smarter not harder”, because if by chance, the employees acquire representation, it will be a bitter defeat for our senior officers and managers, but if they would just “listen” to their employees, and compromise or agree on a contract agreement, this could save much heartache for everyone. Just remember “where there’s unity there’s power” in the people.
In a day where corporations like Fed-Ex are making financial decisions, using employee funds and bonus programs to defer expenses in operations, can only be fully investigated through a third party interest, in which at this time we have none. This leaves the employees at Fed-Ex vulnerable to the conclusion of their calculations, of where and how is our hard earned money being spent.
THE TIME TO ORGANIZE IS NOW! BE WISE AND ORGANIZE!
What Can You Expect From Management?
What Can You Expect From Management?
Now that we’re joining together, here’s what we can expect to hear from management...
When workers form a union, they gain a voice in decisions that affect their jobs, their future and their families. Unfortunately, management doesn’t always like the idea of sharing the decision making with employees. So management’s first reaction may be to make a lot of misleading statements to try to convince you not to join together.
Knowing what to expect from management will help you stay focused on your real goal—winning a voice on the job and a say in your future.
This is what managers often say when workers form a union:
Management: “A union is a third party that will come between us.”
Fact: Our union is a democratic, member-run organization. When you form a union, you’ll work together to govern your own organization. And every contract will be reviewed and approved by a majority of the employees where you work.
Management: “The union will make you go on strike.”
Fact: Strikes are a rare last resort in contract negotiations—more than 95 percent of Teamster contracts are negotiated without a strike. And no strike will happen unless a majority of workers vote to call one.
Management: “If you form a union, you risk losing the benefits and pay raises you already have.”
Fact: It is illegal for a company to freeze or cut previously scheduled raises to discourage you from forming a union. Once you’re organized, you’ll lock in our current wages and benefits and then negotiate improvements from there. All of you will get an opportunity to review your proposed contract before you vote to approve it. Obviously, you’re not going to approve a contract that cuts our wages or benefits.
Management: “The union just wants your dues money.”
Fact: As newly organized Teamsters, you won’t pay dues until you’ve negotiated and voted to approve your first contract—and decided for yourselves whether it’s worth it. (Teamster pilot groups are the exception; in 1998, pilots requested that their dues begin the month after voting to become Teamsters.) Every serious organization—churches, clubs, sporting leagues, and similar organizations—has to have some kind of funding, and unions are no different. Dues pay for the costs of having an organization—contract negotiations, grievances and arbitrations, training for members, legal fees, and other things so no one has to go it alone.
Management: “With a union, you won’t be allowed to talk to your supervisor—you’ll have to go through the union.”
Fact: Teamsters have found that having a union strengthens communication between employees and supervisors. Direct relationships with immediate supervisors continue and you can negotiate to retain any good policy and procedures already in place. The advantage of joining together in a union is that you’re able to make your voices heard at the upper levels of management, where key decisions are made.
Management: “The improvements we’re willing to make right now show that you don’t need a union.”
Fact: It’s great that management is responding to your concerns. It shows that when you join together, your voices are heard. By forming a union, you can make sure this progress is not just short term—you’ll build an ongoing dialogue with management on all your issues. You'll also have peace of mind with a union—since the improvements you agree on will be guaranteed in your union contract.
Keep in mind that it’s normal for some tension to arise when workers start to build a union. But the tension is temporary. After you vote to form a union, management gets used to the idea of you having a voice on the job.
No matter what management says, stay focused on your shared goals—to make your workplace the best possible place to work.
Now that we’re joining together, here’s what we can expect to hear from management...
When workers form a union, they gain a voice in decisions that affect their jobs, their future and their families. Unfortunately, management doesn’t always like the idea of sharing the decision making with employees. So management’s first reaction may be to make a lot of misleading statements to try to convince you not to join together.
Knowing what to expect from management will help you stay focused on your real goal—winning a voice on the job and a say in your future.
This is what managers often say when workers form a union:
Management: “A union is a third party that will come between us.”
Fact: Our union is a democratic, member-run organization. When you form a union, you’ll work together to govern your own organization. And every contract will be reviewed and approved by a majority of the employees where you work.
Management: “The union will make you go on strike.”
Fact: Strikes are a rare last resort in contract negotiations—more than 95 percent of Teamster contracts are negotiated without a strike. And no strike will happen unless a majority of workers vote to call one.
Management: “If you form a union, you risk losing the benefits and pay raises you already have.”
Fact: It is illegal for a company to freeze or cut previously scheduled raises to discourage you from forming a union. Once you’re organized, you’ll lock in our current wages and benefits and then negotiate improvements from there. All of you will get an opportunity to review your proposed contract before you vote to approve it. Obviously, you’re not going to approve a contract that cuts our wages or benefits.
Management: “The union just wants your dues money.”
Fact: As newly organized Teamsters, you won’t pay dues until you’ve negotiated and voted to approve your first contract—and decided for yourselves whether it’s worth it. (Teamster pilot groups are the exception; in 1998, pilots requested that their dues begin the month after voting to become Teamsters.) Every serious organization—churches, clubs, sporting leagues, and similar organizations—has to have some kind of funding, and unions are no different. Dues pay for the costs of having an organization—contract negotiations, grievances and arbitrations, training for members, legal fees, and other things so no one has to go it alone.
Management: “With a union, you won’t be allowed to talk to your supervisor—you’ll have to go through the union.”
Fact: Teamsters have found that having a union strengthens communication between employees and supervisors. Direct relationships with immediate supervisors continue and you can negotiate to retain any good policy and procedures already in place. The advantage of joining together in a union is that you’re able to make your voices heard at the upper levels of management, where key decisions are made.
Management: “The improvements we’re willing to make right now show that you don’t need a union.”
Fact: It’s great that management is responding to your concerns. It shows that when you join together, your voices are heard. By forming a union, you can make sure this progress is not just short term—you’ll build an ongoing dialogue with management on all your issues. You'll also have peace of mind with a union—since the improvements you agree on will be guaranteed in your union contract.
Keep in mind that it’s normal for some tension to arise when workers start to build a union. But the tension is temporary. After you vote to form a union, management gets used to the idea of you having a voice on the job.
No matter what management says, stay focused on your shared goals—to make your workplace the best possible place to work.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Richmond RCH has filed a petition with the NLRB
Richmond RCH has filed a petition with the NLRB
We are pleased to announce that a fifth location has petitioned the NLRB for an election. Congratulations to Richmond VA (RCH) in joining the campaign with Cinnaminson, East Philadelphia, South Brunswick and Newark. Richmond is the first Hub to petition as well as the first terminal outside the northeast to join in our effort in 'Bringing the Teamsters to FedEx Freight'
We are pleased to announce that a fifth location has petitioned the NLRB for an election. Congratulations to Richmond VA (RCH) in joining the campaign with Cinnaminson, East Philadelphia, South Brunswick and Newark. Richmond is the first Hub to petition as well as the first terminal outside the northeast to join in our effort in 'Bringing the Teamsters to FedEx Freight'
FedEx is Getting Pretty Desperate!
When you're all at these meetings do not confront or do not give management any reason to give the company's point of view.
Silence is Golden. Be Wise and Organize
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