Date: 15 Aug 97 22:54:36 EDT
From: jonathan flanders <72763.2240-AT-CompuServe.COM>
Subject: M-I: UPS Strike


   I don't have a lot of time tonight, but I just want to respond to the
responses to my post by saying that I don't disagree that there must be a
reckoning with the leadership of the Teamsters. Its just that the most effective
criticism right now is the criticism of action. There is nothing like mass
mobilizations of workers to test and expose the leadership of the unions. In my
opinion, a class struggle alternative to the current bunch will only come as a
result of battles like the the this one.

  Just let the workers get a sense that there is an alternative to "collective
begging", and many doors will open that have been closed for a long time. 

  In practice this means that I will spend what time I have on this trying to
persuade workers to come out to the next mobilization, not issuing "critical"
leaflets denouncing Carey et al. 

  Today, Carey emerged from talks with UPS to announce that nothing was being
accomplished, and called for a national day of action next Thursday. I will go
out on a limb and predict that these will be the biggest yet. I know the buzz in
my shop is that "Well, it was too short notice this time, I had to do something
for....., but I will definitely be at the next one."

  I append the Teamster's press release for the actions below. The Albany notice
is my addition.
  
  Jon Flanders
  
  TEAMSTER'S LEADER CAREY ANNOUNCES...

NEXT THURSDAY, AUGUST 21,
 WILL BE
 "ACTION DAY FOR GOOD JOBS"

                          ...........IN MANY COMMUNITIES ACROSS AMERICA

*************************************************************************
In the Capital District the action will be at UPS Distribution center, Avis
Drive, Latham,
5 to 7pm, Thursday, August 21.
*************************************************************************

Teamsters News Release
Friday, Aug. 15, 1997, 3:30 p.m.

         NO AGREEMENTS REACHED IN ANY MAJOR CONTRACT AREA

Teamsters President Ron Carey announced that next Thursday, August 21, will be
an "Action Day for Good Jobs" in many communities around the country.

Thousands of Americans will wear blue ribbons that day to show their support for
the UPS workers'fight for the good jobs with secure pensions and health coverage
that American families need. In many communities, supporters of the UPS workers
will rally at picket lines on that day.

"In my 40 years as a UPS driver and union leader, I have never seen so much
public support for workers who are fighting corporate greed," Carey said. "The
Teamster fight for good full-time jobs has become America's fight as well."

Carey said that as part of next Thursday's "Action Day for Good Jobs," UPS
unions in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France will hold a meeting in
Brussels to develop action plans to escalate support for UPS workers in the U.S.

Carey told a Washington news conference that there have been no agreements with
the company in any major contract area. Negotiations continue this afternoon.

UPS made more than a billion dollars in profits last year. Yet more than half
the jobs at UPS are now lower-wage, part-time jobs. Management's last proposal
demands the right to increase that percentage, while creating only 200 new
full-time jobs per year. Teamster members are seeking to create 10,000 new
full-time job opportunities by combining existing part-time positions.

The union is seeking subcontracting language that would ensure that UPS jobs
grow as the company grows. But management continues to demand the right to
subcontract Teamster work.

Teamsters want pension improvements, while management is demanding control over
decisions about union members' retirement benefits. Under management's proposal,
extra investment income from pension funds would go to the company instead of to
maintaining and increasing
workers' pensions.
             C 1997 The International Brotherhood of Teamsters
             
             

  
  Jon Flanders



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