14 replies to this topic

[Agoodrogering]

I'm a new hire and a new Teamster. I'd like to ask everyone what they like most about being a Teamster at UPS. So, what do you like most about being a Teamster at UPS?

[BlackCloud]

Being praised for such a good job all of the time. 8O 8O

[Agoodrogering]

Really though. I'm new. I'd like to know how you benefit most by being a Teamster. There has to be solid, logical, and real reasons.

[krash]

Agoodrogering said:

Really though. I'm new. I'd like to know how you benefit most by being a Teamster. .

Liar. You posted it "here", to pimp APWA

[Agoodrogering]

Krash,
You're quick to judge for a Christian. But, since you use the title "Proud Teamster", you're the perfect person to explain the advantages of being a Teamster to a new hire. Please help me out.

[krash]

Representation, dawg.

And being a christian, doesnt make one stupid.

[Agoodrogering]

What do you mean by just "representation"? And nobody accused you of being stupid just because of your one word reply and the use of words like "pimp" and "dawg".

[danny70]

Being a teamster is only as good as you make it. To many of our fellow brothers and sisters treat it like welfare. They only want to sit back and bitch about the job someone else is doing, and hold that hand out expecting the world in their laps. The advantage of being a teamster is not something easy to but in words. I myself come from a long line of union members, it becomes a way of life. I am a long time steward, being a teamster is something I am proud of. Just as the founders of this great country who gave their lives so we could be free, men and women laid their well beings and lives on the line so that we can work safer, have penisons and health insurance, and be paid well. Do you really think the companies do this on their own? I work for UPS and I know with every fiber of my sole that if it weren't for the teamsters we would get butt fu#*ed every day we hit the clock. If you don't believe me look at companies like Fed-ex and Wal Mart. Do you realize how much better you have it then those folks? Come on people stop being dumb asses, you can't be that stupid. Teamsters isn't a perfect organization but before you can throw a stone have you done your part (more then paying dues, but for you right to work fucks not paying dues, it starts there). Work union, live union, vote labor, be union

[scb]

-danny70-

Although I can't agree with all your assumptions (I'm reminded that UPS invited the Teamsters in; not the other way around), I feel I need to commend you on your responsible (yeah, I know...I'm not the judge!) outlook on the situation.

Of course, as always, my tendency is to key in on your...

"If you don't believe me look at companies like Fed-ex and Wal Mart. Do you realize how much better you have it then those folks?"

....comment, in that I wonder how long Teamsters think they CAN have it better when they're essentially ignoring unorganized firms that are quite literally eating at the union's vitals. In truth, it seems to me that if Teamsters want to maintain the advantage you mentioned, then they're going to have to do a lot more than just "look" at such companies.

[the above post was made after noting that, once again, there is no mention on the IBT's website main page dealing with FedEx....while, of course Hoffa Jr.'s dated "Conversation with Jim" article about last week's Sikorsky rally is still prominently "front 'n' center". So much for the union's renewed emphasis on organizing in its core industry, I guess.]

-scb-

[TeamsterNet]

scb, on Mar 30 2006, 03:09 PM, said:

....comment, in that I wonder how long Teamsters think they CAN have it better when they're essentially ignoring unorganized firms that are quite literally eating at the union's vitals. In truth, it seems to me that if Teamsters want to maintain the advantage you mentioned, then they're going to have to do a lot more than just "look" at such companies.
-scb-

-SCB-,
You couldn't be more right. This might be a bit of historical pun but the Teamsters need a moon shot. A clear goal that every member can get behind and be a part of.

The IBT can organize FedEx but it won't be easy and it will take a lot more than a fancy website and wishful thinking. It will take lots and lots of money. I wish the IBT would put the members to a vote for a $2 dollar assessment with the specific purpose of organizing FedEx. That money would have to go to an almost completely separate entity existing solely to organize FedEx. The kicker is that it would run in perpetuity or until the job is finished. One national bad ass FedEx organizing Team with 2.8 million bucks and a lot of moxy out there beating the bushes.

How far would that go with UPS? I think that they may even dial down their contempt for the Teamsters for a while.

I also have no doubt that if there was a plan in place and they voted on the assessment it would pass 2 to 1.

Oh, for the new guy. The AWPA thing is a bit of a fantasy run by Anti-Labor lawyer with company money. The Northwest Flight attendants tried the same thing and they even had some leaders with experience and it turned out to be a complete disaster for them. Once they got separated from the herd they got picked off.

[danny70]

I agree that more then looking at companies like Wal Mart and Fed-ex are needed. But the problem at hand is getting our members behind us. Once our house is in order we can take on the world. The company and the government both know that by just dividing us we will fight each other and they won't have to do a thing.

[scb]

-TeamsterNet-

Somehow, I let your post slipped by me; sorry for responding so late.

Actually, I think it would go REAL far. I don't for a minute believe that UPS is "out to get" the
union....but, on the other hand, the company just can't sit idly by forever while the union gives FedEx a "bye". Any - and I do mean " A N Y " - significant effort on the part of the union to organize FedEx would be welcomed. My gut feeling is that UPS fully recognizes that FedEx can't - and won't - be organized overnight. But it also recognizes that, if the Teamsters keep on doing absolutely nothing, then SOMETHING dramatic will have to give....and, ultimately, one way or another, that "something" is going to include Teamster jobs.

I actually had a bit of hope for a while when the IBT at least focused on the situation on their website...but when that focus apparently was lost again, so were my hopes. And, from my perspective, in terms of what could be gained for the Teamsters, $2.8 million is cheap...dirt cheap. When you compare that cost with the potential cost to Teamsters in their pension funds alone, to say nothing of the potential of lost jobs (with dues and all that), 10, 20, or even 50 times that amount would be a bargain. In fact, if it'd help resolve the $10 BILLION or so CSPF underfunding issue alone(which I can't help but believe it would) the cost would neglible in comparison....let alone all the ancillary benefits.

Just my usual rant. Again, please excuse me for being so late to respond.

-scb-

[SCABBY]

Agoodrogering, on Mar 19 2006, 01:05 PM, said:

I'm a new hire and a new Teamster. I'd like to ask everyone what they like most about being a Teamster at UPS. So, what do you like most about being a Teamster at UPS?

I like being a new ups employee. The benefits are great and so are the wages. I have to work hard for my wages but thats ok, my family is worth it.
By the way, I am a non union , ups employee. Do you still want to throw rocks through my windsield, threaten my family, asault my co workers, run my company out of buisness, and want me to vote the teamsters in today? Take a guess what my answere is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love SCABBY FOREVER

[SCABBY]

SCABBY, on Apr 14 2006, 01:40 AM, said:

I like being a new ups employee. The benefits are great and so are the wages. I have to work hard for my wages but thats ok, my family is worth it.
By the way, I am a non union , ups employee. Do you still want to throw rocks through my windsield, threaten my family, asault my co workers, run my company out of buisness, and want me to vote the teamsters in today? Take a guess what my answere is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love SCABBY FOREVER

You guys need to get a grip on things. Reading your posts, you are under the inpression that you have control. You need to check with your accountant. I mean the Ibt pension accountant. Sorry to say but you big bad guys are up to your neck in dept. Like in the BILLONS as far as your pension.. With that I wish you luck. SCABBY

[Teamsterman]

SCABBY, on Apr 14 2006, 01:40 AM, said:

I like being a new ups employee. The benefits are great and so are the wages. I have to work hard for my wages but thats ok, my family is worth it.
By the way, I am a non union , ups employee. Do you still want to throw rocks through my windsield, threaten my family, asault my co workers, run my company out of buisness, and want me to vote the teamsters in today? Take a guess what my answere is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love SCABBY FOREVER

Hey scabby, welcome to the ups family. But I have to set the record straight, your co-workers already voted the teamsters in. Your former company failed to recognized their wishes. But you already knew that now didn't you. But all that's in the past. A union company bought you out. And it's only a matter of time and you will be part of out great union family also. Unless of course, you live in a right to scab state. But that's alright too. When they pull you in the office and fire you and you come to me crying like a little bitch, I'll still have to represent you. And I'll even get you your job back.

But make no mistake about it, the teamsters are coming to a location near you. And if you live in a right to scab state, you don't have to join if you don't want to. But don't deny your fellow co-workers that right if they so desire.

And as far as people threatening you, well there's always bad apples anywhere you go. I for one don't condone that. And no one was trying to run your company out of business, your company brought all that upon themselves. Were there some dumb asses out there shouting off their mouths? Sure, on both sides. But that's history.

There's plenty of blame to go around, but don't dump it all on my great union. The guys and gals at ups are a different breed of teamster. We bleed brown blood. But we're good union members also. That's why we're successful and will continue to be.

Well that's my 2 cents worth.