Deregulation and Unionization

Western States pension money went to build casinos in Vegas. We always figured when it came time to retire, instead of a check, the Teamsters would pass out some of those Fun Packs from the casinos.

 

About 5 years ago, I was a supervisor for UPS Freight. They were Teamsters as well. As I think about it, their pay, while still higher than other LTL companies, was higher by not much. I'd say the difference was no more than $5/hr.

Still, the employees had their representation and "hearings", which I think is very valuable. Albeit, it can result in bad workers, it is essentially job insurance for everybody, good workers included.

I remember while working at UPS Freight, the turnover was low. Retention was high. Termination was rare.

Whenever I speak to people who work for a non union company, such as FedEx Freight, the same can't be said. Termination happens more regularly. They are seemingly always hiring.

Unionization isn't perfect, but if you gave me a choice between union or no union, I would still choose union because of the higher wages, and more importantly the protection against management that it provides.

 

The numbers on the internet are woefully inaccurate. At top rate, a 40-hour run with no overtime pays $83,200.

Most guys I know make well over six figures. Believe me, we don't notice the union dues. Lol

 

When I was at YRC some senior dock workers would hit 70k, but the cap was 24/Hr; it was mostly from overtime.

Drivers started out around 22/Hr, but senior linehaul guys could break 100k; never seen their rate. I did everything but P&D while there and left half way up the seniority list cause a lot of people retired.

Top earners are guys who do everything and chase overtime. Even at non union LTL. I seen a old guy at South Eastern who brought in around 200k from basically living there..

I simply avoid LTL because the politics. It's too easy to get good pay and not deal with backstabbing

 

Well said. I had 20 years in the Auto Industry, UAW amongst several other "Unions" in other occupations when the plant closed here. AFL-CIO (IAM), CWA
The main problem with Unions is how easy it is for other interests to infiltrate. Be it the company itself, the members selling out or organized crime.

The only way Unions will ever succeed again is with a decentralized leadership. Individual and verifiable members voting on EVERYTHING and the board and its Lawyers doing as its told and not trying to lead. Then you have the old Executive override President Reagan employed successfully. It takes grit and intestinal fortitude of the membership at that point. But still way better than no union/no voice.

 

You said "The only way Unions will ever succeed again...". What you went on to say, would also fix this country's government too.

But, unions and this country are both too far gone for me to have any hope that change for the better will happen.