RWU Resolution Calling for Solidarity with UPS Workers
Whereas, the US labor movement, including the railroad unions, face many obstacles in the fight to reverse the long decline of low membership; and
Whereas, UPS workers represented by the Teamsters are the largest private-sector workforce in the country and are battling to reverse the last 30 years of concessionary contracts at UPS; and
Whereas, logistics industry workers have proven to have huge potential power in the fight against corporate greed throughout history with industrial actions including countless railroad strikes, postal workers strikes, and the 1997 UPS strike; and
Whereas, solidarity action by other workers and unions along the supply chain can be the decisive factor in any battle between transportation workers and employers; and
Whereas, a victory for UPS workers could embolden all workers to go on the offensive to win better contracts; and likewise, a victory for the new leadership of the Teamsters could embolden all union members looking to reform and democratize their own unions; and
Whereas, RWU recognizes the power that railroad workers have to assist UPS workers, as thousands UPS containers and trailers are moved long distance on intermodal freight trains daily throughout the U.S.; and
Therefore, Be it Resolved that RWU offers full solidarity in support of UPS workers in their fight for a fair contract; and
Be it Further Resolved that RWU calls on railroad workers and our unions, especially the leadership of the Teamster affiliates - BLET, BMWED and TCRC - to refuse to load, unload, or crew any train which carries UPS freight in the instance of a strike at UPS which is protected within the law of the Railway Labor Act; and
Be it Finally Resolved that RWU urges all of rail labor to likewise stand in solidarity with our Teamster fellow workers at UPS.
Adopted by the RWU Steering Committee 04/05/2023
