Building strength in the global delivery chain

The ITF-affiliated International Brotherhood of Teamsters hosted the UPS meeting at their headquarters. The meeting was part of the ITF/UNI Global Union global delivery programme, and was a key opportunity for workers at the same company to meet with global colleagues.

The global delivery industry is a fast developing business, and attendees had the opportunity to learn how new developments could affect them. An analysis of UPS’s role in the global delivery industry, its role in a range of local markets and the issues UPS workers encountered were discussed.

Participants had the opportunity to share updates on projects in their own countries. Among others, the Teamsters reported on recent contract negotiations, while the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria de la Aviación Civil y Similares of Panama (SIELAS Panama), told the meeting about the agreement they’d achieved with Copadasa – part of UPS. Verdi presented on their successful organising in UPS Cologne

There was also time for a quick visit to a local UPS distribution centre. Union representatives heard firsthand about the issues affecting workers, and were able to compare these with their own experiences.

Attendees resolved to continue to build union power in the global delivery chain.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to coordinate with our UPS brothers and sisters across the globe,” said Ken Hall, Teamsters’ general secretary-treasurer and package division director. “Many of our issues are the same, whether it’s excessive overtime, harassment or work rules. We must plan and strategize beyond our borders to gain power for all UPS workers around the world.”

If you enjoyed this story, don’t forget to share it on Facebook and Twitter!