LOCAL 162 KEEPS MEMBERS INFORMED ON CHANGE OF OPERATIONS AT UPS

Local 162 organized a March 2^nd call on Zoom with members from UPS to discuss the change of operations and temporary closure of the Swan Island facility in Portland.  Hundreds of members logged onto the call.  Local 162 President Mark Davison and senior Business Agent Ben Vedus hosted the call, laid out what the Union knows to date, and answered questions from the membership. 

Discussed on the call was the following:

                Mark Davison - announcements:

1. Local 162 will host additional Zoom calls in March and April to keep our members updated on the change of operations.  Monitor the Local 162 website at teamsters162.com and the Union bulletin boards in your workplace for notices announcing future calls. 
2. Local 162 members can still register for the March 3^rd 2PM Zoom call with Labor’s Community Service Agency to discuss unemployment insurance, work source, and other services available to members impacted by upcoming layoffs. 

Mark Davison – change of operations and contractual process:

3. UPS issued its official Article 38 change of operations notice on January, 2025, that the Swan Island facility is temporarily closing for remodel on or about July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. 
4. Local 162 responded with a comprehensive information request to UPS dated January 9^, 2025.  Local 162 requested both pre-closure and post-closure/remodel information concerning the change of operations and how members will be affected now and into the future.  The most critical information needed immediately is where work is being moved and the number of employees that can follow work to each location where the volume/work is being moved. 
5. Overview of Article 38 contract language and what a change of operations is was explained. 
6. Disclosed the Class Action grievance filed by Local 162 to address any disagreements that may need to be referred to the Regional Change of Operations. 
7. Weekly calls with UPS on the change of operations which includes Local 162 Business Agents and Stewards. 

Ben Vedus – general discussion:

8. Volume down in overall jurisdiction year over year and with UPS now claiming additional volume reductions in the coming weeks not related to the change of operations. 
9. Package impacted by volume losses – example of Bend center drop in volume related to UPS announcement on Amazon.  Volume throughout facilities is down and initial limited number of drivers in Portland on layoff in last week or so. Discussed ability of drivers to work inside when laid off, and drivers rights to 9.5 protections in contract. 
10. Package routes moving in phases as early as April 21, 28 and May 5^th. Information subject to change and additional information forthcoming.  Portland, Alderwood, Tualatin, Hillsboro and Vancouver all affected.  Discussed tentative number of routes from Portland to each location.  Local 162 Business Agents will get with drivers in each facility to review which routes are being moved and in what phase.  Number of preload employees to move with the drivers still under review. 
11. Meetings on Feeder will take place once we receive requested information on how the department is impacted by the change of operations.  Business Agent Bobby Rispler will keep the department updated. 
12. UPS transportation and hub departments/management anticipated to provide Local 162 with volume and hub job moves in mid-March.  Stay tuned. 
13. Construction of pop-up building at the “L lot” on Swan Island. 
14. When we have a full understanding of UPS plans specific to the movement of hub work the Union will begin the process of meeting with the affected members so they can elect their preferences to be moved to other facilities or incur a layoff. 
15. Discussion on Union priorities on protecting all 22.3 and 22.2 full-time inside jobs. 

After the lengthy presentation Davison and Vedus answered dozens of questions from members on the Zoom call on seniority rights, following work, technology and other relevant issues.  We are also following up on new concerns brought up on the call.  Davison and Vedus both emphasized the complex and fluid nature of this change of operations and made it clear that what we know today may change, and that we may have to adjust and evolve as new information is received. 

Your leadership at Local 162 is committed to making sure the contract is correctly and transparently enforced and we will continue to represent our member’s to the fullest extent.  We appreciate our member’s support during this difficult time and we take our responsibility to you and your families seriously. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change of operations please reach out to your Business Agent.