Blog Posts

olsen fish co. agreement!

6/14/2024

On Thursday, Local 638 members at Olsen Fish Company in Minneapolis, MN voted overwhelmingly to approve a new 3 year agreement!

With a negotiation team led by 5 rank-and-file members, 638 President Jonathon Kycek helped members see the single-largest 3-year pay raise members have had at Olsen Fish, doubling what had been the previous high in 2021. Members also saw contribution raises in their Central States pension, maintained their industry-best insurance through the Local 638 Health & Welfare Fund, and gained an additional floating holiday.

Teamster contracts continue to lead the way and rank-and-file participation is always the key to success! Congrats to these hard-working members at Olsen Fish Company!

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welcome to 638!

6/13/2024

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Say “hello” to our newest Teamsters Local 638 members from Twin Cities Acoustics! Thanks to the gentlemen pictured, along with Business Agents Tony Winchester and Hannah Bernardson, they achieved an incredible first contract.

They now have a 3 year contract, with an initial $2.00 raise, and then 4% over each of the next 2 years. They are now also covered under the Local 638 Health & Welfare Fund, which is 100% paid for by the Employer, have a 10% retirement contribution, overtime after 8 hours, job protections and much more!

Congrats to these new members, and welcome to the strongest labor union in the world!

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Important Update

6/12/2024

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Important Update for Local 638 Members at UPS:

Local 638 members at UPS will be experiencing unprecedented changes as the Company will be shutting down half of the building in Eagan, MN, in order to retrofit and apply various automation features. Because of the size and scope of the change in Eagan, 638 members in Minneapolis, Maple Grove, and Shakopee will also be affected. Members from Eagan will transition to these buildings per the language in Article 38 of the National Master Agreement.

Change of Operations Communications Team (COCT)

To better address questions, concerns, and ongoing issues that will arise from these changes, Local 638 has put together a Change of Operations Communications Team (COCT) made up of rank-and-file members in each affected building. Please approach COCT members or your Business Agent as soon as possible with questions and concerns related to seniority, vacation, bumping, and any other short and long-term effects of these changes as we will be meeting with the Company to address potential issues.

Change of Operations Communications Team Members:

Eagan

Feeders: Darren Radcliff
RPCD: Chris Rice
Twilight/Midnight: Rikki Schreiner

Minneapolis

Feeders: Steven Bethley & Brent Lindberg
RPCD: Corey Patrick – Landmark
Twilight/Midnight: Erich Audette, Norm Pomerleau, Mike Shaw

Maple Grove

Feeders: Andrew Thompson
Preload: Austin Hauser
Twilight: Eric Welle

Shakopee

RPCD: Steve Richardson

We understand that these changes may bring challenges and uncertainties. The COCT and your Business Agents are here to support you through this transition. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any concerns.

You can use the following link to be able to share you question or concern in real time and we will reach out to you to discuss if that is something you would like.

https://forms.gle/VLEcGmwnbE9qmGcy9

Stay informed and connected as we navigate these changes together. - Local 638 Leadership Team

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For ongoing information, stay in touch our Local 638 website or Facebook page.

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no cola in 2024

6/12/2024

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NO Cost-Of-Living (COLA) for August 1, 2024

Teamsters Local 638 received this news today from the IBT Package Division:

"Based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) figures released June 12th, 2024, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is no cost-of-living allowance as outlined in Article 33 of the 2023-2028 National Master United Parcel Service Agreement. As you may know, our members covered by this agreement may receive an annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) in 2024 if it totals at least $0.05. Additionally, the language provides for a one (1) cent per hour and one-fourth (0.25) mils per mile increase for every two-tenths (0.2) point increase in the CPI-W Index in excess of 3.0%. Reaching an Index level of 308.163 in May 2024, the Index increased 0.83 points above the May 2023 Index plus 3.0%. The 0.83 points do not meet the $0.05 minimum."

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45-Day Letter: Part 2

6/7/2024

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Teamsters Local 638 received a second 45-day Change of Operations letter from UPS. The company states that they intend to move an estimated 117,000 packages out of the Eagan facility to the Minneapolis and Maple Grove facilities, with the majority going to Minneapolis, and the rest to Maple Grove.

To clarify: The 45-day period will not start until the Local has met with the Company to discuss and resolve the specific details of the proposed changes mentioned in this letter. This is necessary because there are no specific details provided about the number of jobs affected or the impact on the buildings receiving the transferred jobs.

We will provide more details as they are made available through the 638 website and social media pages.

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Registration Open

5/29/2024

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Registration is now open for both of the Local 638 Summer Events!

Click here for the 638 Golf Tourney Registration!
Click here for the 638 Day At The Zoo Registration!

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45-Day letter

5/24/2024

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Yesterday, Teamsters Local 638 received a letter from UPS stating their intention to enact a change of operation out of the facility in Eagan, MN. This letter is specific to 25 package car routes originating out of the Normandale and St. Criox Centers, which will be moving to the Prior Lake (Shakopee) and Minneapolis (Landmark) buildings.

There are no details of the scope of the plans for the Eagan facility included in the letter. Teamsters Local 638 will be seeking more details from the Company in the coming weeks about any additional changes that will affect 638 members, as well as assuring that any impacts to the buildings which are receiving the transfers are completed per the CBA.

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Our boxes!

2/11/2024

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Q: Why is it important that surepost is delivered by teamsters?

A: Packages on package cars means more routes and more jobs! By stopping oversized Surepost packages being delivered in bulk to USPS for delivery, you are making sure that UPS packages are delivered by other UPS members!

Q: How do i know if a surepost package is too big?

A: Surepost packages cannot be over 2 cubic feet or more than 10 pounds.

Q: I can tell how much a package weighs by looking at the label, how can I know if a package is over 2 cubic feet?

A: Below this Q&A, you will find a guide to help you easily determine if a Surepost package is oversized and when to redirect it so it is delivered on a package car by a Teamster!

Q: Where can I get a measuring tape?

A: Ask your steward for one. If they do not have any, contact your business agent and they will make some available.

Q: Will i get disciplined if i redirect a surepost package because of it's size?

A: No. If you are either a preloader or a package car driver delivering to USPS, the contract gives you protection to set aside these packages and send them to a clerk to be redirected to a regular package car.

Article 26 makes it clear: "No employee shall be disciplined for redirecting a package pursuant to this paragraph."
Q: What does it mean that irrigs and 70+ lb packages cannot co-mingle on a moving belt or slide?

A: The answer will depend on the setup of the center you work in. If you don't feel safe from how these packages are arriving at your workspace, bring it to the attention of your supervisor and steward.

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Protect Our Work!

1/29/2024

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1.29.24 | UPS | Sups Working | Pay

Q: Why should I work off the clock before my start time if it means I'll get my reoute done faster and easier?

A: Because UPS is not paying you for that extra work. This not only hurts your paycheck but allows UPS to cut jobs and can lead to layoffs. By coming in early and working off the clock, you are setting false and unfair standards for your route and enabling UPS to cut bid routes. Remember, every extra second or minute saved by you not having to look for a package in your truck is money in UPS’s pocket, not yours.

Q: So if i work before my start time as a driver, how does that hurt my coworkers?

A: Working off the clock hurts your coworkers on preload because they are losing that time. As Teamsters, we should not be taking other union members’ work. Many UPS Teamsters sacrificed in the past by refusing to work off the clock so that we could have the rights we have today.

Q: why should I take my breaks?

A: Whether you work inside or as a driver, working though breaks undermines our supplement and the overall contract. Drivers who use their break time to sort their truck or pre-record stops, for example, make it easier for the company to increase the amount of work on routes which can lead to more routes being cut.

Q: how is starting ahead of my shift as a part-timer harmful?

A: Anything you do to set up your work area – from gathering load bags to setting up scanners – should be done on the clock. When you perform this work off the clock, you are only doing UPS a favor (for free) and potentially inviting more violations of your three-and-a-half-hour guarantee under Article 22.

How much does working off the clock really affect my paycheck?

A: Let’s do the math. If you’re an RPCD and you start 15 minutes before your shift five days a week, that’s more than $4,300 a year in overtime out of your pocket that you are giving to the company. If you’re a part-timer with, say, eight years of seniority, starting 15 minutes early off the clock five days a week amounts to more than $2,000 of free overtime labor per year that you’re giving up to the company.

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