Some are saying that we cannot stop these mass layoffs or shift closures. Some are saying that our actions do not count. However, the actions we take today will make a major difference if we organize a national mobilization against shift closures and layoffs. 

So far, Teamsters are on-board!

Among our signers is John Palmer, International Vice President of Teamsters; Jose Francisco Negrete, a founder of Teamsters Mobilize; Barry Anderson, a Teamsters union steward and a member of Teamsters Mobilize; Edgar Esquivel, a longtime Teamster activist; Allen Smith, a soon-to-be laid off Teamster here in Portland, and over 100 people from the day sort that will be laid off, of the remaining 191, that’s a majority. 

The petition states three major points:

1) UPS made billions over the last four months of 2023, peak season. That’s true. 
2) Volume is returning to the company as the contract campaign is over. That’s true. 
3) We need a national mobilization to stop these layoffs and shift closures, because package volume is being diverted to automated facilities. Not all day sorts are facing closure. Why? Because they are automated. In fact, just Portland, Oregon, the automated Alderwood facility, which has much fewer workers, will take a great deal of volume from the conventional Swan Island hub. 

The problem is that the entire UPS network is being “reorganized” with the explicit intention of removing the unionized workforce. We know that UPS wants nearly 80% of its unionized workforce gone. The consequences to the pension fund and to the health and welfare funds will be nothing less than catastrophic. That’s why we are calling for a national mass mobilization against the layoffs.

If some Teamster leaders have a plan other than doing nothing, then we am eager to hear it. Until then, keep circulating the petition and organizing. 

Solidarity, 

Independent Teamsters Organizing Committee (ITOC)