Editor's Note: After the story was published, the video was updated to include a response from UPS. (June 29, 2023)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — UPS workers say they’re “just practicing” for a “just contract.” Dozens of off-the-clock UPS Teamsters held a practice picket line outside the UPS Worldport in Louisville.
Ora Churns has worked at UPS for 23 years. She works in the small sort department, where they sort small packages and help them get delivered. Born and raised in Louisville, she has 2 adult children as well as 2 grandchildren. She enjoys her job.
“The people, you can get along with the people real well. The job itself. What I do is important.” Churns explained.
There’s a very real reason Churns is marching in the practice picket line.
“Because I feel like we need more money. We need more money doing our jobs. I feel like we deserve more,” Churn said.
Dozens of UPS employees who agree with Churn, marched as part of a picket line training exercise—a practice picket. Teamsters Local 89 leaders said they want new employees to understand the rules of a strike. Contract talks are happening between UPS and the union. The Teamsters’ contract expires at the end of July.
Churns makes $30 an hour now, but she said it took over 10 years before she earned $20 an hour. She said that’s what employees are making now. Churn would like at least $10-$15 more per hour. She hopes to send a message.
“As far as the contract is concerned, we deserve whatever we ask for because we work hard for our money,” Churns explained.
When asked for a comment about the practice picket, UPS didn't address it specifically. They did however address contract negotiations and said, "Last week, we provided our initial economic proposal. This week we followed with a significantly amended proposal to address key demands from the Teamsters. Reaching consensus requires time and serious, detailed discussion, but it also requires give-and-take from both sides. We’re working around the clock to reach an agreement that strengthens our industry-leading pay and benefits ahead of the current contract’s expiration on August 1. We remain at the table ready to negotiate."
Brianna Lambert has worked for UPS for almost three years. She’s an unloader, taking packages out of cans, putting them on a belt and sending them off to another area. She currently makes $20 an hour but would like to see $25 an hour at most.
“I want better pay and shuttle pay because it takes me about 15 minutes to maybe about 30 minutes to get to and from work at times because of how many people there are. There are not enough shuttles at points and it is making us late to work at times,” Lambert explained to Spectrum News 1.
Both Lambert and Churns say if a strike happens, they will join the picket line.
Spectrum News 1 spoke with the Teamsters Local 89 President Avral Thompson, who was at the practice picket. He said the current contract expires on July 31. He said the general president of the international organization has said they will not work one day past the expiration date without an agreement.
Thompson also said they do not intend to strike, but will if an agreement isn’t met.