Report from The Independent Teamsters Organizing Committee (ITOC)

Swan Island, Portland, Oregon: 

Following the closure of the day shift, a wave of job cuts left many members questioning the stability of their positions. Despite reassurances given to those who remained, another round of layoffs was announced this week, plunging the workforce into further turmoil.

Amidst this uncertainty, union leadership has made a surprising move, supposedly intervening directly in UPS operations. Sources reveal that union representatives have initiated back-channel discussions with the company, demanding a significant change: the restructuring of operations to include shorter shifts. The aim? To increase the demand for labor and bring back laid-off workers.

This unprecedented intervention marks a departure from the union's previous stance of non-involvement in UPS operations, particularly regarding layoffs. It's a bold move that has caught many members off guard and sparked accusations of hypocrisy. After all, the union had previously asserted that it must refrain from interfering in operations, including layoffs.

The sudden shift in the union's approach has left members questioning the consistency of its principles and the sincerity of its commitment to worker advocacy. Some see it as a betrayal of trust, while others view it as a necessary response to protect jobs in the face of layoffs.

As tensions mount and uncertainty looms, UPS Teamsters are calling for clarity, transparency, and accountability from both the union and the company. The coming days will be crucial in determining the overall position for UPS Teamsters throughout the country. Can an organized opposition to layoffs force a Local to directly intervene in UPS operations?

In the aftermath of the reportedly secretive interventions by Local 162 union leadership, doubts linger among the rank and file. "What about next week?" questioned one laid-off sorter and ITOC member, reflecting the skepticism surrounding the undisclosed negotiations. Despite immediate efforts to bring back temporarily laid-off members through covert operational restructuring, concerns remain about the union's transparency and long-term commitment to its promises. However, this episode underscores the necessity for vigilant collective action. Groups like ITOC, working to halt all layoffs and shift closures nationally, demonstrate the importance of bold, consistent and independent action, not dictated by UPS management or union bosses, to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of workers at UPS and beyond.