Local 804 Trustee Scott Damone describes how we can protect ourselves and avoid unnecessary and unfair discipline by following the methods.
UPS CEO Carol Tome has famously described her vision for the company as “Better, Not Bigger”.
Local 804 is taking up her challenge, but with a twist. Let’s ask, how can we make conditions at work “better” and improve how we work to protect ourselves?
We need to be ‘Better, Not Faster.’
Follow the Methods
The vast majority of discipline for inside workers is for “failure to follow methods and procedures” resulting in misloads or missed add/cuts. Drivers tend to have methods and procedures issues with auto accidents, mis-deliveries, and missed scans.
All of this can be mitigated by following the company’s methods and procedures.
Don’t Make Up Your Own Rules
Preloaders are trained to check boxes for multiple labels, circle icons, and/or write HIN on the packages with crayons. Yet many loaders do not do this. Loaders are told to avoid stacking, dumping cages, and cage hopping. Every day, loaders are doing these things and thinking “If I do follow the methods, I’ll never get wrapped.”
Management is responsible for hiring, staffing, and ensuring service to their millions of customers.
Our job is to provide a fair day’s work and a reasonable performance. The methods are there for a reason. Don’t make management’s bad decisions your problem. Don’t take shortcuts that can cause accidents and mistakes. You’ll be the one left holding the bag with an injury or discipline or both.
Numbers—Management’s Problem, Not Ours
It is not a driver’s responsibility to plan their stop counts or load quality. Years ago, drivers were sent out in package cars that were loaded stop for stop with labels out and up for selection.
Now drivers are spending inordinate amounts of time sorting and loading their assignments on the road. Management ordered this change—not the union. So let them have it. Don’t make up the extra time it takes by taking shortcuts and skipping steps.
Follow the methods. When you’re done delivering, the numbers are management’s numbers, not yours. Your number is on your paycheck.
The company demands that drivers back only when necessary. Driver release packages are supposed to be out of sight and out of weather. Drivers are not supposed to cut across landscaping and lawns. No one is to throw the customers’ packages. No matter what the stop count is, these methods are to be followed.
If the company’s plan fails, they will have to make adjustments and create a new plan. That burden is not on Teamsters.
Take Pride in Our Essential Work
Almost 110 years ago, the company’s founder approached the Teamsters and asked them to represent his workers. That marriage has been extremely successful for both parties and it’s important to remember that this incredible success for the company came off the backs of Teamster workers who have been touted for their quality work for decades.
The company used to advertise with messages underscoring the quality of the service provided by Teamster workers. Jim Casey is famous for his “Caseyisms”, many of which are still displayed in UPS buildings all over the country. Some of these are:
“Best service and lowest rates.”
“Never promise more than you can deliver and always deliver what you promise.”
“Anybody can deliver packages-from the small boy in the neighborhood on up to the most extensive delivery systems in the land. The one thing we can have to offer that others will not always have is quality.”
“Service—the sum of many little things done well.”
UPS even featured a logo for 30 years that included “the delivery system for stores of quality.”
Every package is our calling card and that is the guiding principle for how we should treat our customers’ merchandise.
It’s time to get back to basics and restore the images of both the company and the Teamsters union. Follow the methods. Work safely. No more shortcuts. No more skipping steps. Be better, not faster.
“When we take shortcuts, all we're doing is putting a target on our back and making it hard for members to work together. A fair day's work doesn't mean cutting corners.
“We protect ourselves and our Teamster brothers and sisters by working at a steady pace and following the same playbook.”