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[ac]

My MAJOR, and perhaps only real complaint with the Working Conditions as a former UPS PACKAGE CAR DRIVER was in the area of UNREASONABLE AND UNFAIR AREA TIME ALLOWANCES.

It is a shame you didn't speak up on this before you became a "former" package car driver. Unfortunately to many are afraid to speak up until they, too, are "former" drivers, employees, or whatever; though just about all of them see what you have stated. The sad part is, the employees are scared because they follow their leaders - the Business Agents, who are to scared for their jobs to do what is right. You have many valid points - now, what are you going to do about it? I don't know if you were an activist before, though it does not sound like it. However, welcome aboard; and, don't quit now, Get involved, go to the TDU convention, learn and share with others so that things can change for the future. Many good employees have lost their jobs trying to help the scared others, we need good working Teamster leadership. So, hope to see you at the TDU convention!!

[ac]

YOU recommend joining TDU...I say no......TDU has been around as long as I have been a WORKING DRIVER and is still only a "fringe" organization and basically ineffective...UPS MANAGEMENT has been able to withstand any influence TDU has exerted. TDU cannot even mount a slate that can compete with the STAUS QUOE....and in my opinion has been vilified enough to make them IRRELEVENT to the DRIVERS predicament.

I did not recommend joining, merely invited you to attend the TDU convention. You state TDU has been around as long as you have, did you notice they remain, even after you have left. They have dealt with more discharges and harassment (from both sides) than you can probably imagine, yet you call them a "fringe organization". Still, they continue to fight for the rights of all members; I believe you said that you fought your fight. Though I can not speak for TDU, as a (proud) TDU member I do not think it is their goal to influence UPS mngt., but instead to influence Teamster members to become involved so that the union is ran by the membership and not the "status quo" as you say. How ironic that you should call them irrelevant, you are using one of their tools to post that negative opinion. As I said before, you have some very valid points; if all you want to do is vent - go for it. If you really want to make a difference - do something about it! Yes, my information is hidden. For many reasons, one being, I am not retired. I will be at the TDU convention and would welcome your input, I think your perception of TDU would probably be changed, as well. You should never have waited so long to find out for yourself, instead of buying into what the status quo has wanted you to believe. Hope to see you there, and bring some friends. The more the merrier, it is never to late to start down the right road!!

[downbrown]

ac, You are a true brother, thank you! When he said he fought his own fight, I see that mentality in our new ranks. We--WE fight our-- OUR fights. This is a Union people, we do things as a team and not individualisticly. The TDU people are not looking for a pat on their shoulder, but merely to resolve issues, and stay focused on the members needs. They are in the trenches communicating the issues and they do have a purpose here! Go TDU!!!