SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT

I would like to welcome all of you who visit our website.  We have decided to begin an online newsletter in an effort to keep our membership informed on a regular basis. 

As of this update, many things are happening in and around Local 671 .  The UPS National Agreement is completely ratified throughout the country.  The feeling around the country is that this Agreement accomplishes some very important needs of our members.  This Agreement provides the increases that should satisfy the needs of our pension and health funds and the raises are the largest in the industry.  In the New England Supplement, the changes involving the annual bid are changes that the bargaining unit has looked for for years.  The company must now have all bid moves completed by June 15, 2008 with no exceptions or the annual bid will take place again next year and we will retain the right to bid all vacancies throughout the year.  This means from here forward all vacated routes, 22.3 jobs, etc. will be bid when someone leaves for any reason – quit, retire, etc.  Prior to this contract, drivers were only allowed to bid these jobs at the annual bid.

The National Master Freight Contract has also been ratified by an overwhelming majority in Local 671 .  This contract reflects the hard times that the unionized freight industry is facing.  I believe that our membership realizes the importance of preserving their Health and Welfare and Pension benefits.  Hopefully, the condition of the industry will improve in the years ahead.

The DHL contract also was ratified in early June 2008.  I want to thank all of you who took the time to read the proposed contract and exercise your voting rights.  Local 671 was among the highest ballot return and among the highest ratification percentage.  I believe that it is more important that members vote.  When there is a high vote turnout, I believe you really hear what the members are saying.  This contract has been well received around the country.  This contract also provides the same dollar amounts that the UPS & National Master Freight received for the health and welfare and pension.  We are hopeful that this company can get it together and compete in the small package business.

In an effort to always assure that our Fund is receiving the greatest value for our members, we have contracted with the Teamster RX to begin supplying prescription drugs to the eligible retirees of Teamsters Local 671 Heath Services.  Since July, all new mail order prescriptions are being filled by Teamster members in Manchester , New Hampshire .  This new supplier is a non-profit RX benefits manager.  The entire organization is run and managed by Teamsters.  We will take all precautions to assure a smooth transition of your current prescriptions.  Our Staff will be ready to answer your questions.  We look forward to your cooperation on this cost saving effort.

There are many other contracts & organizing drives currently ongoing.  To get more information, click on our organizing page.  I will update this report on a regular basis.

Fraternally yours,

Dave Lucas
Secretary-Treasurer