That's crazy. Back when I drove for them, it took 5 to 6 years working part time to get a full time job. The wait list was that long.

5-6 years ago the world was different My RN son actually checked into it citing better pay, better benefits and less responsibility working for ups then the hospital

I've been retired from UPS for exactly one year. I worked as a Journeyman mechanic for 27 years. Mostly on heavy duty equipment (semi tractors). But I was able to see almost every other job in the operation. All those jobs (except supervisors) were hard jobs. I watched those young folks load and unload semi trailers full of boxes ( all done by hand) in the heat of summer with a young part time supervisor yelling to move faster!
Or the pre load at 4am loading package cars by hand and reading each address on each package as it goes down the conveyor belt.
To us automotive mechanics and building maintenance mechanics. There was not one "easy" job.
The toughest job I seen was those drivers that deliver to your house or business. They are on a TIGHT schedule, and are behind schedule the second they leave the building. They are pushed and pushed to get it done then do more! If the truck they are driving breaks down, they still have to make all those stops. It is a tough company to work for some days. YES, the pay and benefits are good and are some of the top in the industry. But without a doubt, you earn your money.

The pilots do very well.

he toughest job I seen was those drivers that deliver to your house or business. They are on a TIGHT schedule, and are behind schedule the second they leave the building. They are pushed and pushed to get it done then do more! If the truck they are driving breaks down, they still have to make all those stops.

UPS driver here goes by my house heading back in for the day everyday around 7:30-8:00 pm and i know they start at the butt crack of dawn. No A/C in these crappy brown trucks either, like riding in a oven right now.

My son is a driver for UPS. Started in presort $16/hr early mornings about 4 years ago and has been a driver for the last 2 years. He isn't close to $40/hr. I think he's in the mid 20/hr range. However, they are set to strike beginning August 1. Teamster have given UPS their final offer supposedly and walked out of negotiations last week. They want all part timers to immediately go to $25/hr and ALL full time union employees get an immediate $10/hr raise. They already got the air conditioning agreed to....sounds like the other demands are nowhere close to being agreed upon. I mean...I'm all for people getting raises...but even my son thinks $10/hr increase is a crazy demand. But supposedly it's a strike issue. And management has been notified no vacations in July or August because they think management will be out delivering packages. What could go wrong there? Lol

CWA here. I only recently rejoined a year ago because I work with our local Union president, the previous president was as crooked as they come. I saw what my coworker does for the members and how he engages the “upper officials” over matters. He’s as “right” as you’ll come across and doesn’t mind preaching it from the podium either.

As far as strikes are concerned, it sounds like the members have had enough and decided this is what’s best for them. $10 an hour sounds extreme, but then again I don’t do their job. I advise every member or anyone to have access to a years salary just for strikes or life’s unexpected moments. I doubt a strike will last a year, but better to have and not need, than need and not have.

I honestly believe we wouldn’t have the pay or the benefits we have now across the country if not for unions, mainly those of yesteryear. I’m not saying I agree with everything they do, but for the most part, your locals are pretty decent.