1997 United Parcel Service strike: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|1997 strike in the United States}} |
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{{Infobox civil conflict |
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| title = United Parcel Service strike of 1997 |
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| partof = [[Labor Unions]] |
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| date = {{Start and end dates|1997|08|01|1997|08|19}}{{pb}}{{pb}}({{Age in years, months and days|1997|08|01|1997|08|19}}) |
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| place = United States |
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| howmany1 = {{center|185,000 [[International Brotherhood of Teamsters|Teamsters]]}} |
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| sidebox = {{International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Strikes}}{{Campaignbox transport strikes}} |
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}} |
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The '''United Parcel Service strike of 1997''', led by [[International Brotherhood of Teamsters]] (IBT) President [[Ron Carey (labor leader)|Ron Carey]], started on August 4, 1997, and involved over 185,000 Teamsters (IBT members).<ref name=":0" /> The strike effectively shut down [[United Parcel Service]] (UPS) operations for 15 days<ref>"It's official: Teamsters end UPS strike". CNN. August 20, 1997. Retrieved 2013-12-04</ref> and costs UPS hundreds of millions of dollars.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Greenhouse |first=Steven |date=1997-08-19 |title=TEAMSTERS AND U.P.S. AGREE ON A 5-YEAR CONTRACT PLAN TO END STRIKE AFTER 15 DAYS |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/19/us/teamsters-and-ups-agree-on-a-5-year-contract-plan-to-end-strike-after-15-days.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The strike was a victory for the union, resulting in a new contract that increased their wages, secured their existing benefits and gave increased [[job security]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Witt |first1=Matt |last2=Wilson |first2=Rand |date=March 1999 |title=The Teamsters' UPS Strike of 1997: Building a New Labor Movement |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0160449x9902400106 |journal=Labor Studies Journal |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=58–72 |doi=10.1177/0160449x9902400106 |s2cid=146886811 |issn=0160-449X}}</ref> |
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==Union history== |
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{{cleanup|reason=per [[WP:LAYOUT]], [[WP:CITE]]|date=December 2014}} |
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President Ron Carey had followed in his father's footsteps to become a UPS driver, and Union member.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=1974-11-21 |title=Delivery Strike Leader Ronald‐Robert Carey |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/21/archives/delivery-strike-leader-ronaldrobert-carey.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Carey rose to Presidency of the Teamsters Union in the early 1990s, and was heavily supported by [[Teamsters for a Democratic Union]] (TDU) President [[Ken Paff]], mainly because of Carey's support of Union Democracy. TDU influence on the IBT was a major factor in the collective bargaining tactics used to negotiate the 1997 UPS Contract: militancy, union democracy, and rank-and-file intensive tactics.<ref name=":2" /> |
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Due to the Teamsters' demands for full-time jobs, job security, and higher pay, the 1997 UPS strike was a turning point in American labor history. Thousands of workers were motivated by a comprehensive contract campaign coordinated by union president Ron Carey. Under the motto "Part-Time America Won't Work," the union brought together full-time and part-time workers through rallies, petition campaigns, and workplace actions. |
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Led by [[Teamster]] President Ron Carey, the August 4, 1997 United Parcel Service strike was a [[postal strike]] involving over 185,000 teamsters.<ref>Greenhouse, Steven. "Yearlong Effort Key to Success For Teamsters." New York Times. August 25, 1997.</ref> The strike effectively shut down [[UPS]] operations for 16 days |
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<ref>"It's official: Teamsters end UPS strike". CNN. August 20, 1997. Retrieved 2013-12-04</ref> |
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and cost UPS hundreds of millions of dollars.<ref>Greenhouse, Steven. "Teamsters and U.P.S. Agree on a 5-Year Contract." New York Times. August 19, 1997.</ref> |
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The strike was a victory for the union, resulting in a new contract that increased their wages, secured their existing benefits and gave increased job security.<ref>Witt, M., and R. Wilson. "The Teamsters' UPS Strike of 1997: Building a New Labor Movement." Labor Studies Journal 24.1 (1999): 58-72. Web.</ref> |
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Strategic partnerships also helped the strike. UPS air operations were grounded when the Independent Pilots Association respected the picket lines, despite their history of disagreements with the Teamsters. The International Transport Workers Federation provided international assistance by coordinating solidarity initiatives throughout Europe10. |
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==Union History== |
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For a deeper look at the union's tactics and broader labor implications, explore the detailed histories from the Teamsters for a Democratic Union and The Stansbury Forum. |
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President Ron Carey had followed in his father’s footsteps to become a UPS driver, and Union member. |
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<ref>"Delivery Strike Leader; Ronald Robert Carey." New York Times. November 21, 1974</ref> Carey rose to Presidency of the Teamsters Union in the early 90’s, and was heavily supported by [[Teamsters for a Democratic Union]] President [[Ken Paff]], mainly because of Carey’s support of Union Democracy. [[TDU]] influence on the [[IBT]] was a major factor in the collective bargaining tactics used to negotiate the 1997 UPS Contract: militance, union democracy, and rank-and-file intensive tactics.<ref>http://www.tdu.org/files/Revisitng%20the%20Teamster%20Struggle%20with%20UPS%20Ten%20Years%20Late.pdf</ref> |
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https://jacobin.com/2017/08/ups-strike-teamsters-logistics-labor-unions-work |
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An earlier strike against UPS in 1994, which had been the first National strike against UPS, had been unsuccessful and led to the Teamsters being sued by UPS for millions of dollars.<ref>Applebome, Peter. "Schism and Suit After a Teamster Strike." New York Times. February 10, 1994.</ref> |
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https://www.labornotes.org/2017/08/1997-ups-strike-beating-big-business-business-unionism |
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==Causes== |
==Causes== |
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Contracts between UPS and their Union workers were set to be renegotiated in 1997, and general grievances against the company centered around job security, wages, and part-time employee status.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Joe |title=When Big Brown shut down: The UPS strike ten years on |url=https://isreview.org/issues/55/bigbrown/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=isreview.org |publisher=[[International Socialist Review (1997)|International Socialist Review]] |publication-date=November–December 2007}}</ref> Bob Herbert, of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote that the UPS strike "is best seen as the angry fist-waving response of the frustrated American worker, a revolt against the ruthless treatment of workers by so many powerful corporations."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Herbert |first=Bob |date=1997-08-07 |title=Opinion {{!}} A Workers' Rebellion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/07/opinion/a-workers-rebellion.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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Contracts between UPS and their Union workers were set to be renegotiated in 1997, and general grievances against the company centered around the greed of the corporation, and the subsequent exploitation of the working class, who were often given little job security, low wages, and part-time employee status.<ref>http://isreview.org/issues/55/bigbrown.shtml</ref> |
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The main reason for the strike was UPS's heavy reliance on part-time workers. The Teamsters Union said that part-timers were underpaid, did not receive benefits, and had less opportunities for full-time work. |
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Bob Herbert , of the [[New York Times]] wrote that the UPS strike “is best seen as the angry fist-waving response of the frustrated American worker, a revolt against the ruthless treatment of workers by so many powerful corporations.<ref>Bob Herbert, “Workers’ rebellion,” New York Times, August 7, 1997</ref> |
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A more thorough explanation of UPS's labor policies could improve the article's detail. This may include data showing that 60% of UPS workers were part-timers at the time, which was a significant cause of friction for the union. |
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In the |
In the 1970s, UPS had begun a process of replacing many full-time workers with part-time employees.<ref>"United Parcel Service, Inc. History." History of United Parcel Service, Inc. – FundingUniverse. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=2004 |title=United Parcel Service, Inc. History |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/united-parcel-service-inc-history/ |journal=International Directory of Company Histories |publisher=St. James Press |volume=63 |via=Funding Universe}}</ref> In the 1980s, the wages of these part-time workers was cut to just $8 per hour.<ref>"International Socialist Review." International Socialist Review. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref> According to research performed by Teamsters, almost two-in-three workers were classified as part-time, and receiving part-time compensation and benefits.<ref>"Half a job is not enough: How the shift to more part-time employment undermines good jobs at UPS," International Brotherhood of Teamsters research department, June 1997, ii.</ref> Surveys conducted by Teamster leaders stated that "90 percent of part-timers at UPS ranked the creation of more full-time jobs with full-time pay as a top bargaining priority".<ref name=":2" /> |
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At this time, almost two in three workers were classified as part time, and receiving part time compensation and benefits, despite technically working full time hours.<ref>“Half a job is not enough: How the shift to more part-time employment undermines good jobs at UPS,” International Brotherhood of Teamsters research department, June 1997, ii.</ref> |
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Surveys conducted by Teamster leaders stated that “90 percent of part-timers at UPS ranked the creation of more full-time jobs with full-time pay as a top bargaining priority”.<ref>http://www.tdu.org/files/Revisitng%20the%20Teamster%20Struggle%20with%20UPS%20Ten%20Years%20Late.pdf</ref> |
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Teamster Laura Piscotti was quoted as saying: "These companies all have a formula. They don’t take you on full-time. They don’t pay benefits. Then, their profits go through the roof”.<ref>Laura Piscotti, Striking Teamster, Chicago, August 6, 1997</ref> |
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The [[Bureau of Labor Statistics]] cites the 1993 UPS injury rate as 14 percent, compared with the industry average 8 percent.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Orris |first1=P. |last2=Hartman |first2=D. E. |last3=Strauss |first3=P. |last4=Anderson |first4=R. J. |last5=Collins |first5=J. |last6=Knopp |first6=C. |last7=Xu |first7=Y. |last8=Melius |first8=J. |date=Feb 1997 |title=Stress among package truck drivers |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9028437/ |journal=American Journal of Industrial Medicine |volume=31 |issue=2 |pages=202–210 |doi=10.1002/(sici)1097-0274(199702)31:2<202::aid-ajim10>3.0.co;2-5 |issn=0271-3586 |pmid=9028437 |via=National Library of Medicine}}</ref> |
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In addition to the poor compensation, UPS’s warehousing and distribution centers, known as "hubs", were well known for their brutal working conditions, in which workers were pushed to perform at an unreasonably high level.<ref>Dan La Botz, Rank and File Rebellion, Teamsters for a Democratic Union (London/New York: Verso, 1990), see chap. 15, “UPS: The totalitarian workplace.</ref> |
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In accomplishing higher profit margins, working conditions became dangerous, giving UPS one of the highest injury ratings in the industry. The [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] (OSHA) issued a $3 million fine to UPS in direct recognition of the unsafe working conditions and frequent injuries.<ref>Christopher Drew, “In the productivity push, how much is too much?” New York Times, December 17, 1995</ref> |
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The [[Bureau of Labor Statistics]] cites the 1993 UPS injury rate as 14%, compared with the industry average 8%.<ref>P. Orris, D. E. Hartman, P. Strauss, et al., “Stress among package truck drivers,” American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1997, 31 (2) 202–210.</ref> |
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A 1992 study conducted by the [[Great Lakes Center for Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health]] was technically cited as examining an “unnamed delivery company”, although it is widely understood that the company was in fact UPS. The results concluded that “job stress is a psychological health hazard for these drivers”.<ref>P. Orris, D. E. Hartman, P. Strauss, et al., “Stress among package truck drivers,” American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1997, 31 (2) 202–210.</ref><ref>http://isreview.org/issues/55/bigbrown.shtml</ref> |
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UPS was rapidly gaining a reputation for hazardous working conditions. A member of the national IBT-UPS Safety and Health Negotiating Committee described just two accidents within the UPS hubs that could easily have been prevented: |
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"In Phoenix in June, two part-time workers caught their legs in a running belt. UPS installed a cut-off switch in the area only after the accident. In Long Island, N.Y., during negotiations, a young girl lost a finger in belt, with no one at the cut-off switch to stop it. Last year in Oakland, a young man lost his hand in a belt”.<ref>Bacon, David. "The UPS Strike - Unions Win When They Take The Offensive." Strikes. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref> |
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==Preparation== |
==Preparation== |
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Prior to the 1997 UPS strike, Carey had already organized four successful strike campaigns.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Greenhouse |first=Steven |date=1997-08-06 |title=No Talks, and Very Few Deliveries, in United Parcel Strike |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/06/us/no-talks-and-very-few-deliveries-in-united-parcel-strike.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In preparation for the strike, UPS workers who had joined the Teamsters completed questionnaires designed to determine key grievances. Pre-strike rallies were held, and a petition with 100,000 signatures of Teamster members supporting the new contract negotiations and demands was completed. The impending strike also had its own website, as well as a dedicated hot-line for workers to stay connected. Efforts were made to ensure that both part-time and full-time workers' demands were being included, and therefore that they would continue to support each other. The expectation was that many workers would simply cross the picket lines and resume working.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Greenhouse |first=Steven |date=1997-08-25 |title=Yearlong Effort Key to Success For Teamsters |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/25/us/yearlong-effort-key-to-success-for-teamsters.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> |
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Teamster President Ron Carey’s message was simple- he demanded fair pay, reasonable hours and adequate pension programs for Teamsters. Prior to the 1997 UPS strike, Carey had already organized four successful strike campaigns.<ref>Greenhouse, Steve. "No Talks, and Very Few Deliveries, in United Parcel Strike." New York Times. August 6, 1997.</ref> |
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In preparation for the strike, UPS workers who had joined the Teamsters completed questionnaires designed to determine key grievances. Pre-strike rallies were held, and a petition with 100,000 signatures of Teamster members supporting the new contract negotiations and demands was completed. The impending strike also had its own website, as well as a dedicated hot-line for workers to stay connected. Efforts were made to ensure that both part-time and full-time workers’ demands were being included, and therefore that they would continue to support each other. It is widely believed that UPS bosses, reporters and the general public simply didn't expect that the Union was cohesive enough to actually carry out the strike. The expectation was that many workers would simply cross the picket lines and resume working.<ref>Greenhouse, Steven. "Yearlong Effort Key to Success For Teamsters." New York Times. August 25, 1997.</ref><ref>http://isreview.org/issues/55/bigbrown.shtml</ref> |
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'''Management’s Reaction and Public Messaging ''' |
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The success of the 1997 strike has often been attributed to the high level of organization within the Teamsters’ Union, as well as that which went into both the planning and execution of the union itself, and the strike. |
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President of the [[American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations]], [[John Sweeney]] said: “The UPS strike directly connected bargaining to organizing… You could stage a hundred… rallies, and still not come close to doing what the UPS strike did for organizing”.<ref>http://www.scfl.org/files/IBTstrike97LSJ.pdf</ref> |
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Ahead of the strike, UPS management launched a vigorous public relations campaign to discredit the Teamsters as irrational and out of touch in an attempt to weaken the union's efforts. The business stressed how dependable it is and how a strike may affect customers and businesses. |
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After an unsuccessful August 1997 Teamster rally, which had had a poor turn out, and a UPS spokesperson said “They’re trying to stage a Broadway production of Les Miserables, and what we’re seeing is a high school production of Annie Get Your Gun”.<ref>“UPS’s early missteps in assessing Teamsters help explain how union won gains in fight,” Wall Street Journal, August 21, 1997.</ref> |
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Because UPS were not taking the strike, and indeed the union seriously, their final offer on August 2, 1997 was rejected by the Teamsters.<ref>http://isreview.org/issues/55/bigbrown.shtml</ref> |
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"They're trying to stage a Broadway production of Les Misérables, and what we're seeing is a high school production of Annie Get Your Gun," a UPS representative said in response to a poorly attended Teamsters rally in August 1997.[8] This statement expressed management's opinion that the strike would end because there would be insufficient support from the workforce. |
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==The Strike== |
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On August 4, the strike began, and was the largest strike in terms of striking workers that the country had seen thus far.<ref>Greenhouse, Steven. "Labor Unions Plan A Teamster Loan to Sustain Strike." New York Times. August 13, 1997.</ref> Almost 100 percent of UPS workers who were members of the Teamster Union were involved in the strike.<ref>"Lessons of the 1997 Teamster Strike at UPS." Published by Workers Action. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref> During the strike, UPS had lost so much business that their losses were over $600 million. |
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<ref>Greenhouse, Steven. "U.P.S. Says Fears of Bigger Losses Made It Cut Deal." New York Times. August 20, 1997.</ref> |
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'''Final Steps Before the Strike''' |
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Ron Carey used the information he had gathered from the surveys sent out in preparation for the strike to narrow the demands down to four key issues. |
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Firstly, Carey demanded that when UPS created new positions, they would be full time, secondly, that thousands of the current workers who were classified as “part-time” be converted to full time worker status, third that the pay for those who did remain in only part-time positions was increased, and lastly that the workers would remain within the existing union pension plan.<ref>Greenhouse, Steve. "No Talks, and Very Few Deliveries, in United Parcel Strike." New York Times. August 6, 1997</ref> |
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Despite UPS's confidence, the Teamsters rejected the company's final contract offer on August 2, 1997.[7] The breakdown in negotiations, coupled with the union's months of preparation and mobilization, set the stage for the nationwide strike that began just days later on August 4, 1997. The 15-day strike would go on to become one of the most successful labor actions in modern U.S. history, forcing UPS to meet many of the Teamsters' key demands and securing a landmark victory for the labor movement. |
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Carey said: “People will be celebrating our victory over corporate greed. This fight with UPS shows what working people can accomplish when they all stick together. The UPS workers stood up to throw away worker approach and the nation’s working people stood behind us. And now we’re going to go out there to other workers who want to fight for that great American dream.” <ref>"UPS Strike: Package Deal." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref> |
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==The strike== |
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The strike began August 4, 1997, and was the largest strike in terms of striking workers that the country had seen thus far.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Greenhouse |first=Steven |date=1997-08-13 |title=LABOR UNIONS PLAN A TEAMSTERS LOAN TO SUSTAIN STRIKE |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/13/us/labor-unions-plan-a-teamsters-loan-to-sustain-strike.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Almost 100 percent of UPS workers who were members of the Teamster Union were involved in the strike.<ref>"Lessons of the 1997 Teamster Strike at UPS." Published by Workers Action. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref> During the strike, UPS losses were over $600 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Greenhouse |first=Steven |date=1997-08-20 |title=U.P.S. SAYS FEARS OF BIGGER LOSSES MADE IT CUT DEAL |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/20/us/ups-says-fears-of-bigger-losses-made-it-cut-deal.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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Carey said regarding the strike, "People will be celebrating our victory over corporate greed. This fight with UPS shows what working people can accomplish when they all stick together. The UPS workers stood up to throw away worker approach and the nation's working people stood behind us. And now we're going to go out there to other workers who want to fight for that great American dream."<ref name=":3">"UPS Strike: Package Deal." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref> |
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==Outcome== |
==Outcome== |
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During the strike, the Teamster Union had paid out around 10 million |
During the strike, the Teamster Union had paid out around $10 million to workers manning the picket lines.<ref name=":3" /> After 15 days, the Teamsters and UPS came to a five-year contract agreement that ended the strike. In addition, the starting pay rate of $8 per hour for part-timers was to be raised by 50 cents, while drivers were to make an additional $3.10 on top of their average $19.95 hourly rate, and part-time workers would be granted an additional $4.10 hourly.<ref name=":2" /> |
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After 16 days, the Teamsters and UPS came to a five year contract agreement that ended the strike. UPS had already agreed to giving 1,000 part-time workers full-time positions, but were forced to increase that number to 10,000. In addition, the pay rate of $8 per hour “base pay” was to be raised by 50 cents, while drivers were to make an additional $3.10 on top of their average $19.95 hourly rate, and part-time workers would be granted an additional $4.10 hourly. |
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<ref>http://www.tdu.org/files/Revisitng%20the%20Teamster%20Struggle%20with%20UPS%20Ten%20Years%20Late.pdf</ref> |
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The way in which the union was structured meant that all Teamsters would receive synonymous benefits, regardless of what company they actually worked for. These benefits were controlled by the Teamsters multi-employer pension fund. UPS wanted to back out of the plan, and offer their workers a new pension plan that UPS would control.<ref> |
The way in which the union was structured meant that all Teamsters would receive synonymous benefits, regardless of what company they actually worked for. These benefits were controlled by the Teamsters multi-employer pension fund. UPS wanted to back out of the plan, and offer their workers a new pension plan that UPS would control.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Schiavone |first=Michael |title=Rank-And-File Militancy and Power: Revisiting the Teamster Struggle with the United Parcel Service Years Later |date=June 2007 |url=https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/teamstersforademocraticunion/pages/6089/attachments/original/1434125404/Revisitng%2520the%2520Teamster%2520Struggle%2520with%2520UPS%2520Ten%2520Years%2520Late.pdf?1434125404 |journal=WorkingUSA: The Journal of Labor and Society |publisher=Immanuel Ness and Blackwell Publishing, Inc. |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=175–191 |doi=10.1111/j.1743-4580.2007.00150.x |via=Teamsters for Democratic Action}}</ref> Ultimately, UPS agreed to keep their workers in the union benefits plan.<ref>CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Greenhouse |first=Steven |date=1997-08-19 |title=TEAMSTERS AND U.P.S. AGREE ON A 5-YEAR CONTRACT PLAN TO END STRIKE AFTER 15 DAYS |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/19/us/teamsters-and-ups-agree-on-a-5-year-contract-plan-to-end-strike-after-15-days.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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UPS agreed that they would from now on be required to discuss any future package weight limit increases with the Teamsters. |
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To further address the issue of the unavailability of full time positions, UPS agreed to stop subcontracting, with the exception of peak times.<ref>http://www.tdu.org/files/Revisitng%20the%20Teamster%20Struggle%20with%20UPS%20Ten%20Years%20Late.pdf</ref> |
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'''National Impact:''' |
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Carey stated that “[t]his strike marks a new era. American workers have show |
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n...we [can] stand up to corporate greed. This victory shows that American workers are on the move again”.<ref>Rothstein, R. 1997. Union strength in the United States: Lessons from the UPS strike. International Labour Review 136:469–91.</ref><ref>http://www.tdu.org/files/Revisitng%20the%20Teamster%20Struggle%20with%20UPS%20Ten%20Years%20Late.pdf</ref> |
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In addition to highlighting organized labor's declining power in the 1990s, the strike showed that unions could still organize and secure significant concessions. In other fields, it sparked labor activism. |
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==Aftermath== |
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The August 1997 victory was a turning point for workers’ rights. The strikes that had occurred in the 20 years prior to 1997 had been reluctant defensive actions, whereas the 1997 UPS strike was a planned offensive against corporate greed. The importance of a portable pension scheme, one that is controlled by the workers and that cannot be exploited by capitalist executives, was now shown to be a right, not a privilege. In addition, a clear message was sent to other Fortune 500 companies about abusing part-time work status: it would no longer be tolerated. |
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<ref>"Why the UPS Strike Matters." Why the UPS Strike Matters. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref> |
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The 1997 UPS strike was a victory not only for the UPS workers, but also for the unorganized , non-union workers, who were inspired to join unions. In addition, the UPS strike was supported by thousands of members of other unions, as well as an estimated two thirds of the general population. |
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<ref>http://www.scfl.org/files/IBTstrike97LSJ.pdf</ref> |
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To address the unavailability of full-time positions, UPS agreed to stop subcontracting, with the exception of peak times and to create 10,000 full-time jobs from part-time positions.<ref name=":2" /> |
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The Union had used their power as a collective unit to force UPS to concede to their demands. Because the demands had been set by the union members themselves, members did not simply cross the picket lines and return to work, as UPS executives had expected. In addition, Carey had worked to gain public support and sympathy, which was a crucial factor in keeping the morale up, and the Union cohesive. The preparation that went into the strike allowed Teamsters to erect 1,700 picket lines overnight, essentially halting UPS operations. In addition, the success of the cohesion of the union that kept the strike together rested on the flyers that were distributed regularly: the masses were kept informed and the strike had clear goals and direction. |
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<ref>"Lessons of the 1997 Teamster Strike at UPS." Published by Workers Action. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.</ref> |
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== See also == |
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* [[List of US strikes by size]] |
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'''Bibliography''' |
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Books: |
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Featherstone, L. (2008). Selling Women Short: The Landmark Battle for Workers’ Rights at Wal-Mart. Basic Books. |
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Lichtenstein, N. (2002). State of the Union: A Century of American Labor. Princeton University Press. |
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Journal Articles: |
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Bronfenbrenner, K. (1999). “The Power of Strong Unions: The Impact of the UPS Strike on Labor and Business.” Labor Studies Journal, 24(1), 3-18. |
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Milkman, R. (1998). “Organizing the Unorganized: Lessons from the UPS Strike.” New Labor Forum, 2(1), 45-52. |
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Newspaper Articles: |
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Greenhouse, S. (1997, August 20). "UPS Strike Ends with Union Victorious." The New York Times. |
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Becker, E. (1997, August 25). "UPS Strike's Lessons for Labor and Business." Washington Post. |
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Web Sources: |
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Teamsters Union. (1997). UPS Strike Summary Report. Retrieved from teamster.org. |
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U.S. Department of Labor. (1997). Labor-Management Relations Overview. Retrieved from dol.gov. |
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Reports: |
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Economic Policy Institute. (1998). The Economic Impact of the 1997 UPS Strike. Washington, DC: EPI. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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[[Category:Strikes (protest)]] |
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[[Category:1990s strikes in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Labor disputes in the United States]] |
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[[Category:1997 labor disputes and strikes]] |
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[[Category:Labor disputes led by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters]] |
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[[Category:United Parcel Service]] |
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[[Category:August 1997 events in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Labor relations by company]] |
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Latest revision as of 16:27, 11 December 2024
| United Parcel Service strike of 1997 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Labor Unions | |||
| Date | August 1–19, 1997(18 days) | ||
| Location | United States | ||
| Number | |||
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The United Parcel Service strike of 1997, led by International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) President Ron Carey, started on August 4, 1997, and involved over 185,000 Teamsters (IBT members).[1] The strike effectively shut down United Parcel Service (UPS) operations for 15 days[2] and costs UPS hundreds of millions of dollars.[3] The strike was a victory for the union, resulting in a new contract that increased their wages, secured their existing benefits and gave increased job security.[4]
Union history
[edit]President Ron Carey had followed in his father's footsteps to become a UPS driver, and Union member.[5] Carey rose to Presidency of the Teamsters Union in the early 1990s, and was heavily supported by Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU) President Ken Paff, mainly because of Carey's support of Union Democracy. TDU influence on the IBT was a major factor in the collective bargaining tactics used to negotiate the 1997 UPS Contract: militancy, union democracy, and rank-and-file intensive tactics.[6]
Due to the Teamsters' demands for full-time jobs, job security, and higher pay, the 1997 UPS strike was a turning point in American labor history. Thousands of workers were motivated by a comprehensive contract campaign coordinated by union president Ron Carey. Under the motto "Part-Time America Won't Work," the union brought together full-time and part-time workers through rallies, petition campaigns, and workplace actions.
Strategic partnerships also helped the strike. UPS air operations were grounded when the Independent Pilots Association respected the picket lines, despite their history of disagreements with the Teamsters. The International Transport Workers Federation provided international assistance by coordinating solidarity initiatives throughout Europe10.
For a deeper look at the union's tactics and broader labor implications, explore the detailed histories from the Teamsters for a Democratic Union and The Stansbury Forum.
https://jacobin.com/2017/08/ups-strike-teamsters-logistics-labor-unions-work https://www.labornotes.org/2017/08/1997-ups-strike-beating-big-business-business-unionism
Causes
[edit]Contracts between UPS and their Union workers were set to be renegotiated in 1997, and general grievances against the company centered around job security, wages, and part-time employee status.[7] Bob Herbert, of The New York Times wrote that the UPS strike "is best seen as the angry fist-waving response of the frustrated American worker, a revolt against the ruthless treatment of workers by so many powerful corporations."[8]
The main reason for the strike was UPS's heavy reliance on part-time workers. The Teamsters Union said that part-timers were underpaid, did not receive benefits, and had less opportunities for full-time work. A more thorough explanation of UPS's labor policies could improve the article's detail. This may include data showing that 60% of UPS workers were part-timers at the time, which was a significant cause of friction for the union.
In the 1970s, UPS had begun a process of replacing many full-time workers with part-time employees.[9][10] In the 1980s, the wages of these part-time workers was cut to just $8 per hour.[11] According to research performed by Teamsters, almost two-in-three workers were classified as part-time, and receiving part-time compensation and benefits.[12] Surveys conducted by Teamster leaders stated that "90 percent of part-timers at UPS ranked the creation of more full-time jobs with full-time pay as a top bargaining priority".[6]
The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the 1993 UPS injury rate as 14 percent, compared with the industry average 8 percent.[13]
Preparation
[edit]Prior to the 1997 UPS strike, Carey had already organized four successful strike campaigns.[14] In preparation for the strike, UPS workers who had joined the Teamsters completed questionnaires designed to determine key grievances. Pre-strike rallies were held, and a petition with 100,000 signatures of Teamster members supporting the new contract negotiations and demands was completed. The impending strike also had its own website, as well as a dedicated hot-line for workers to stay connected. Efforts were made to ensure that both part-time and full-time workers' demands were being included, and therefore that they would continue to support each other. The expectation was that many workers would simply cross the picket lines and resume working.[1][7]
Management’s Reaction and Public Messaging
Ahead of the strike, UPS management launched a vigorous public relations campaign to discredit the Teamsters as irrational and out of touch in an attempt to weaken the union's efforts. The business stressed how dependable it is and how a strike may affect customers and businesses.
"They're trying to stage a Broadway production of Les Misérables, and what we're seeing is a high school production of Annie Get Your Gun," a UPS representative said in response to a poorly attended Teamsters rally in August 1997.[8] This statement expressed management's opinion that the strike would end because there would be insufficient support from the workforce.
Final Steps Before the Strike
Despite UPS's confidence, the Teamsters rejected the company's final contract offer on August 2, 1997.[7] The breakdown in negotiations, coupled with the union's months of preparation and mobilization, set the stage for the nationwide strike that began just days later on August 4, 1997. The 15-day strike would go on to become one of the most successful labor actions in modern U.S. history, forcing UPS to meet many of the Teamsters' key demands and securing a landmark victory for the labor movement.
The strike
[edit]The strike began August 4, 1997, and was the largest strike in terms of striking workers that the country had seen thus far.[15] Almost 100 percent of UPS workers who were members of the Teamster Union were involved in the strike.[16] During the strike, UPS losses were over $600 million.[17]
Carey said regarding the strike, "People will be celebrating our victory over corporate greed. This fight with UPS shows what working people can accomplish when they all stick together. The UPS workers stood up to throw away worker approach and the nation's working people stood behind us. And now we're going to go out there to other workers who want to fight for that great American dream."[18]
Outcome
[edit]During the strike, the Teamster Union had paid out around $10 million to workers manning the picket lines.[18] After 15 days, the Teamsters and UPS came to a five-year contract agreement that ended the strike. In addition, the starting pay rate of $8 per hour for part-timers was to be raised by 50 cents, while drivers were to make an additional $3.10 on top of their average $19.95 hourly rate, and part-time workers would be granted an additional $4.10 hourly.[6]
The way in which the union was structured meant that all Teamsters would receive synonymous benefits, regardless of what company they actually worked for. These benefits were controlled by the Teamsters multi-employer pension fund. UPS wanted to back out of the plan, and offer their workers a new pension plan that UPS would control.[6] Ultimately, UPS agreed to keep their workers in the union benefits plan.[19][20]
UPS agreed that they would from now on be required to discuss any future package weight limit increases with the Teamsters.
National Impact:
In addition to highlighting organized labor's declining power in the 1990s, the strike showed that unions could still organize and secure significant concessions. In other fields, it sparked labor activism.
To address the unavailability of full-time positions, UPS agreed to stop subcontracting, with the exception of peak times and to create 10,000 full-time jobs from part-time positions.[6]
See also
[edit]
Bibliography
Books:
Featherstone, L. (2008). Selling Women Short: The Landmark Battle for Workers’ Rights at Wal-Mart. Basic Books. Lichtenstein, N. (2002). State of the Union: A Century of American Labor. Princeton University Press. Journal Articles:
Bronfenbrenner, K. (1999). “The Power of Strong Unions: The Impact of the UPS Strike on Labor and Business.” Labor Studies Journal, 24(1), 3-18. Milkman, R. (1998). “Organizing the Unorganized: Lessons from the UPS Strike.” New Labor Forum, 2(1), 45-52. Newspaper Articles:
Greenhouse, S. (1997, August 20). "UPS Strike Ends with Union Victorious." The New York Times. Becker, E. (1997, August 25). "UPS Strike's Lessons for Labor and Business." Washington Post. Web Sources:
Teamsters Union. (1997). UPS Strike Summary Report. Retrieved from teamster.org. U.S. Department of Labor. (1997). Labor-Management Relations Overview. Retrieved from dol.gov. Reports:
Economic Policy Institute. (1998). The Economic Impact of the 1997 UPS Strike. Washington, DC: EPI.
References
[edit]- ^ a b Greenhouse, Steven (1997-08-25). "Yearlong Effort Key to Success For Teamsters". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ "It's official: Teamsters end UPS strike". CNN. August 20, 1997. Retrieved 2013-12-04
- ^ Greenhouse, Steven (1997-08-19). "TEAMSTERS AND U.P.S. AGREE ON A 5-YEAR CONTRACT PLAN TO END STRIKE AFTER 15 DAYS". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ Witt, Matt; Wilson, Rand (March 1999). "The Teamsters' UPS Strike of 1997: Building a New Labor Movement". Labor Studies Journal. 24 (1): 58–72. doi:10.1177/0160449x9902400106. ISSN 0160-449X. S2CID 146886811.
- ^ Asbury, Edith Evans (1974-11-21). "Delivery Strike Leader Ronald‐Robert Carey". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ a b c d e Schiavone, Michael (June 2007). "Rank-And-File Militancy and Power: Revisiting the Teamster Struggle with the United Parcel Service Years Later" (PDF). WorkingUSA: The Journal of Labor and Society. 10 (2). Immanuel Ness and Blackwell Publishing, Inc.: 175–191. doi:10.1111/j.1743-4580.2007.00150.x – via Teamsters for Democratic Action.
- ^ a b Allen, Joe (November–December 2007). "When Big Brown shut down: The UPS strike ten years on". isreview.org. International Socialist Review. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ Herbert, Bob (1997-08-07). "Opinion | A Workers' Rebellion". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ "United Parcel Service, Inc. History." History of United Parcel Service, Inc. – FundingUniverse. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
- ^ "United Parcel Service, Inc. History". International Directory of Company Histories. 63. St. James Press. 2004 – via Funding Universe.
- ^ "International Socialist Review." International Socialist Review. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
- ^ "Half a job is not enough: How the shift to more part-time employment undermines good jobs at UPS," International Brotherhood of Teamsters research department, June 1997, ii.
- ^ Orris, P.; Hartman, D. E.; Strauss, P.; Anderson, R. J.; Collins, J.; Knopp, C.; Xu, Y.; Melius, J. (Feb 1997). "Stress among package truck drivers". American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 31 (2): 202–210. doi:10.1002/(sici)1097-0274(199702)31:2<202::aid-ajim10>3.0.co;2-5. ISSN 0271-3586. PMID 9028437 – via National Library of Medicine.
- ^ Greenhouse, Steven (1997-08-06). "No Talks, and Very Few Deliveries, in United Parcel Strike". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ Greenhouse, Steven (1997-08-13). "LABOR UNIONS PLAN A TEAMSTERS LOAN TO SUSTAIN STRIKE". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ "Lessons of the 1997 Teamster Strike at UPS." Published by Workers Action. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
- ^ Greenhouse, Steven (1997-08-20). "U.P.S. SAYS FEARS OF BIGGER LOSSES MADE IT CUT DEAL". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ a b "UPS Strike: Package Deal." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
- ^ CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
- ^ Greenhouse, Steven (1997-08-19). "TEAMSTERS AND U.P.S. AGREE ON A 5-YEAR CONTRACT PLAN TO END STRIKE AFTER 15 DAYS". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
