Dave Carew, Alternate Shop Steward from the Suffolk building, serves on the new National Contract Enforcement Committee and addresses how members are stepping up to enforce the contract protections we’ve won.

UPS signs the contract just like we do—so why do they violate it?

First, because they think they can. They were already violating the contract before the ink dried.

The second, more important reason is to try to demoralize us. It’s classic divide and conquer.

If more of us stood together we’d be much more powerful.

But if you’re going to be selfish and make deals with management, nothing’s ever going to change. They’re going to keep screwing our members over and over because they can.

UPS doesn't care about right or wrong. The contract is only as powerful as our ability to enforce it. That’s our job as the union and as members.

What is the Teamster National Rank and File Contract Enforcement Committee?

The Teamsters National Rank and File Contract Enforcement Committee was appointed by General President Sean O’Brien. We are charged with coming up with ideas to empower members to enforce the rights we won in our historic contract victory.

We meet and discuss what we can do to make sure members are safe and our contract is enforced.
Heat is obviously one of the biggest issues right now. In the South and the West, it’s even more extreme than here.

We’re coming up with plans to empower the members and tactics to make sure the company is doing what they are supposed to be doing, from ice machines and fans to cool down breaks and 9.5 rights.

We discuss different ways to inform members. One of the most important ones is parking lot meetings.

TDU has been a big part of this. They’ve been holding webinars and training activists from around the country how to run parking lot meetings and get members informed and educated.

How are contract enforcers in Local 804 working together?

In Local 804, we are working with members, stewards and Business Agents in every center to get the message out through chats and webinars, and flyers. After the last heat wave we held parking lot meetings at six buildings to bring members together and strengthen contract enforcement. This is just the beginning.

What is your message to members who are frustrated about the company violating the contract? How can they help turn it around?

We shouldn’t be afraid to enforce our rights. We have President Perrone, we have business agents, we have stewards—we can be in touch with all of them about how to stand up for ourselves.

An educated member is the most important tool we have. If you have any desire to learn more, reach out to one of your stewards or a BA. Hold a parking lot meeting, bring members together in your building. We’re here to help give you the tools to succeed in enforcing the contract.