UPS Inc. has laid off an undetermined number of Teamsters union drivers who fall under the so-called 22.4 classification in the UPS-Teamster contract, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Atlanta-based company (NYSE: UPS) said in a statement that it is “reassigning some of our employees to meet the needs of our business.” The changes, which are occurring in certain parts of the country, are in response to what the company called “uneven demand.” UPS said it hoped the affected workers will return to their prior positions later this year.
The actions seem “widespread,” said one of the people. Most affected workers will probably return within several weeks, the person said.
The 22.4 workers are junior drivers who work Tuesdays through Saturdays.
The 22.4 workers, so named by a section of the UPS-Teamsters contract that defines the role, was created in the 2018 agreement, which remains in force. It’s long been unpopular with the union, which views it as an unjustified second-class position because the junior drivers do the same work as senior drivers but for less pay.
Sean O’Brien, general president of the Teamsters, opposed the formation of the classification before he was elected. O’Brien has pledged to eliminate the language from this year’s contract and to move all drivers to full-time seniority status.
Under the contract, any layoffs must first happen at the junior level before senior drivers are affected.
The timing may seem unusual as both sides are gearing up for upcoming contract talks. The current contract expires July 31, and O’Brien has threatened to take 350,000 UPS Teamsters out on strike if an agreement isn’t reached by Aug. 1.
With volume down year over year, UPS may be sending a message that it doesn’t need as many Teamsters today as in the past, said Josh Taylor, director of professional services at consultancy Shipware LLC and a former longtime UPS executive.
UPS’ actions put the Teamsters in the peculiar position of “trying to protect people in roles they hope to upgrade,” said Taylor. “Do they fight to retain those people or to upgrade those positions? Because if UPS can get along without them, it will be difficult to justify both,” he said.
Joe shmoe
This was normal before Amazon every year after peak!…
Dillard Borden
Ups playing mind games with the 22/4 drivers. This position should have never happened in the first place. Union should say no more 22/4 if you need drivers they are regular package drivers and should be brought back with the same progression and pay as a regular package driver. If the part-time workers would have voted in the last contract we wouldn’t be going through this right now.
Disgruntled UPS Guy
UPS would rather play games than treat it’s employees like the ones who showed up during the pandemic putting their families at risk. UPS quickly forgets how we, the ones who actually do all the work at UPS, were the ones who kept packages getting where they were needed when the rest of the nation either took time off or started working from home. Driving on empty roads with full trailers and package cars day after day. Meanwhile inflation and fuel prices have been adjusted for when prices are given to consumers but not for wages for employees. If UPS actually cared and supported the reasons why the company reports such profits quarter after quarter, then they’d start by bumping up the pay for their employees!
Boulder
UPS has forgotten who makes this company strong. We the hourly employees who worked through the pandemic and increased volume are the ones. And not even a thank you. Time for a STRONG CONTRACT.
Kkkkk
Now the Drivers will be out 12 hours a day, year round, running their rear ends off!
Wade Parham
This is customary at UPS this time of year. For the most part, nobody loses a paycheck and still work…just not the job they normally have. I am a 35 year UPSer/Teamster and this business is hitting its annual slow period as it usually does this time of year.
Sullivan
Layoffs in a contract year? No way. If volume is so low then why are we leaving the building late and working later?
Joe Larsen
I started driving in 1983. I worked every week and during the free period, worked every day, until July, 1985. NEVER made book and the union allowed it as I was laid off on day 29 and brought back a day later. UPS paid pension and welfare to the union for a non union employee. Went into mgt July of ‘85, and retired in ‘08.