Lansing, MI – Teamsters in Lansing and Detroit conducted practice pickets at UPS centers on Friday, June 30. Members marched, held signs and chanted, putting pressure on the company to present a last, best and final offer. These pickets come days after the National Negotiating Committee issued a 48-hour deadline for UPS to issue such an offer. In a June 28 press release, General President Sean O’Brien said, “The largest single-employer strike in American history now appears inevitable.” Later that day, the company softened its bargaining stance and the deadline was extended to July 5.

At the Lansing location, picketing workers marched in the lawn in front of the building, waving signs and soliciting honks from passing vehicles. Among the demands on the signs were better part-time wages, improved pensions, an end to harassment and excessive overtime, and recognizing MLK Day and Juneteenth in the contract. Lori Yancey, a participant and member of Teamsters Local 243, said she wanted to convey to the company that “we are all human, and want to be treated with human respect.”

Meanwhile, at the Cicotte location, workers were carrying signs reading “Just practicing for a just contract” and practiced chanting. Around 50 people participated in the picketing. Thomas Moran, a rank-and-file member of Local 243 who organized the picket, said, “I wanted to organize the practice picket because it seemed like it wouldn't happen otherwise. We ended up having a really good turnout thanks to my steward getting the word out, and it was a galvanizing experience for people,” adding, “People told me they had a really good feeling walking into work afterward.”

With regard to the importance of these pickets, Moran added, “After just a few days of practice picketing around the country, the company has already softened their stance on wanting a 'cost neutral' contract. I think they are starting to take our strike threat a bit more seriously.”

The current UPS contract expires on July 31. Sean O'Brien has stated that the current agreement will not be extended, and unless an agreement is in place on August 1 the Teamsters will go out on strike.

#LansingMI #Teamsters

Lansing, MI – As UPS moves out from its peak season, the company is ending market rate adjustments (MRAs) and bonus programs designed to attract workers and boost part-time employees’ pay. The negotiated part-time pay rate for workers hired since August 1, 2018 is $15.33 per hour, with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) included. Teamsters Local 623 reports that UPS paid its members $19 an hour as part of an MRA and the workers are taking a 27% pay cut as the adjustments expire.

While higher pay is a good thing, these MRAs and similar weekly attendance bonus programs have had a divisive effect on workers and have pitted new hires and higher seniority workers against each other. The wage scale in the contract represents a minimum amount a worker can be paid. However, when an MRA is in effect the new hires can make the same or very close to the same as the high seniority workers.

In centers where attendance bonuses were given by the employer, they were not given evenly. In Local 243, for example, bonuses were only given to workers hired after May 1, 2021. Matt Hermann, a member from Local 243 in Madison Heights, Michigan said of the bonus, “They’re basically telling me my labor is worth less than the new person.” Don LePard, another member of Local 243 from Lansing, Michigan described the bonuses as “a double-edge sword,” elaborating, “If they don’t do anything for the long-term employees, it’s not going to go over well.”

As the MRAs end, the UPS workers who are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters are not accepting these wage cuts without a fight. The Teamsters Joint Council 7, Local 553, Local 315 and Local 623, among others, have held rallies, petition drives, and parking lot meetings to organize members around the issue. Matt Hermann has gone as far as filing labor charges against the company over unequal implementation of bonuses.

The incoming administration, the O’Brien-Zuckerman slate, released a statement on their Facebook page calling for UPS to reinstate the MRA pay rates and stated they would fight for higher part-time wages at the bargaining table.

The pay cuts – in the form of ending the MRAs – are being announced at the same time that UPS reports $10.9 billion in profits for 2021, beating what had the previous record profits they made in 2020. Stephanie Shiver, a member of Local 767 from Mesquite, Texas, said, “The MRAs and bonus programs are definite proof part-timers got low-balled in 2018. We deserve better wages, and we need better wages to survive. We must fight for them in 2023 so that we don’t rely on the ‘kindness’ of this company to maintain them.”

#LansingMI #Teamsters #UPS #TeamstersLocal623 #marketRateAdjustmentsMRAs

Lansing, MI – 120 protesters rallied for Palestine at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. After handing out flags, signs and water, the crowd gathered on the capitol steps to hear from the organizers and to chant, “Free, free Palestine!”

The spirited crowed then took to the streets and marched through Lansing chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and “Gaza, Gaza, don't you cry, Palestine will never die!”

Many cars honked their horns in support and Black residents came out of their homes to raise a fist and cheer. A few local people even joined the march.

“Hey Biden you should know. Israel has got to go! Hey Biden you will see. Palestine will be free!” was the chant as protesters arrived at the office of U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, of Michigan’s 8th congressional district – a former CIA analyst. Outside a six-story office building, the protesters demanded Slotkin co-sponsor a modest reform, House Resolution 2590, which would put conditions on U.S. aid to Israel.

Outside Slotkin's office, several speakers took to a microphone, including Hannine Aqel, who spoke about the suffering of her cousins in Palestine. Next was Sam Burton, who spoke about the rapidly expanding solidarity of young American Jews with Palestine. The final speaker was Alex Sahouri, who expressed support for the armed Palestinian resistance and criticized Israel for air strikes in the densely populated Gaza strip.

After the speeches, protesters lined up along the road, chanting and soliciting support from passing cars. After an hour, they marched back to the Michigan Capitol Building.

The next “Free Palestine! From the River to the Sea!” rally is Sunday, June 13 at 4 p.m. in Grand Rapids at Veteran's Park, near the intersection of Fulton Avenue and Division Street.

#LansingMI #Palestine #PeoplesStruggles #FreePalestine #MiddleEast

Lansing, MI – 120 protesters rallied for Palestine at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. After handing out flags, signs and water, the crowd gathered on the capitol steps to hear from the organizers and to chant, “Free, free Palestine!”

The spirited crowed then took to the streets and marched through Lansing chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and “Gaza, Gaza, don't you cry, Palestine will never die!”

Many cars honked their horns in support and Black residents came out of their homes to raise a fist and cheer. A few local people even joined the march.

“Hey Biden you should know. Israel has got to go! Hey Biden you will see. Palestine will be free!” was the chant as protesters arrived at the office of U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, of Michigan’s 8th congressional district – a former CIA analyst. Outside a six-story office building, the protesters demanded Slotkin co-sponsor a modest reform, House Resolution 2590, which would put conditions on U.S. aid to Israel.

Outside Slotkin's office, several speakers took to a microphone, including Hannine Aqel, who spoke about the suffering of her cousins in Palestine. Next was Sam Burton, who spoke about the rapidly expanding solidarity of young American Jews with Palestine. The final speaker was Alex Sahouri, who expressed support for the armed Palestinian resistance and criticized Israel for air strikes in the densely populated Gaza strip.

After the speeches, protesters lined up along the road, chanting and soliciting support from passing cars. After an hour, they marched back to the Michigan Capitol Building.

The next “Free Palestine! From the River to the Sea!” rally is Sunday, June 13 at 4 p.m. in Grand Rapids at Veteran's Park, near the intersection of Fulton Avenue and Division Street.

#LansingMI #Palestine #PeoplesStruggles #FreePalestine #MiddleEast

Lansing, MI – On Saturday, March 20, hundreds of protesters gathered in southwest Lansing to unite against police crimes, eviction, ICE detention centers, military intervention and capitalism. 17 groups hosted the event in Risdale Park.

The overarching theme of protest speakers was that workers and oppressed people’s struggles are united. The speaker from Movimiento Cosecha, Soleada Pauli, stated, “We used to say, ‘your struggle is my struggle,’” adding, “It’s our struggle. Workers against this capitalist, patriarchal, racist system.”

This attitude of collective struggle was echoed by Tristan Taylor of Detroit Will Breathe, who said, “We cannot substitute ourselves for the masses. We have to understand that our job is to fight alongside people, not on their behalf.”

The protesters took to the street after the speakers concluded, marching through and leafleting in working-class neighborhoods in southwest Lansing. The protesters stopped at the intersection of Jolly Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard before returning to Risdale Park. Several groups announced upcoming marches and protests.

#LansingMI #PeoplesMarch

Lansing, MI – A group of 40 stagehands from across Michigan gathered at the State Capitol building in Lansing, March 17. The IATSE union stagehands are marking one year without work and demanding the extension of unemployment benefits until it is safe to return to their jobs.

One of their issues is that Michigan law makers need to restore 26 weeks of unemployment, after it was cut down to 20 weeks when Republican Governor Snyder was in office. The amounts paid for unemployment also need to increase dramatically as they have been frozen for years.

Stagehands were forced on unemployment in March 2020, similar to hotel and restaurant employees, gig workers, artists and performers. Many attended “Push for $600” unemployment rallies during the summer and fall.

“The pandemic has cost us loved ones and livelihoods. Unemployment checks are the only thing keeping a roof over our heads and food on our plates,” said Jessica Westra, IATSE Local 26 President.

She continued, “Unemployment payments boost the economy. People need to pay for food. People need to pay for healthcare. They need to pay their rent, their mortgage, and their taxes. People can’t save for the future if they are barely able to survive the present.”

“My union has kept me insured, my union has kept our workplaces safe, my union has lived up to its obligation to protect its membership. We need our legislature to live up to its obligation to protect its citizens,” Westra explained.

Members from five or more different IATSE locals around Michigan gathered for speeches covering Michigan film tax credits, the details of the American Rescue Plan like the $1400 checks, and solidarity with Amazon workers forming a union in Alabama.

Stagehands make possible mass gatherings, political rallies, culture, songs and performances that express people’s humanity, give joy and excitement, and lift peoples spirits. They are fully behind the CDC guidelines and the organized push for vaccinations against COVID-19 so they can return to work where large crowds gather.

Stagehands are also demanding Michigan legislators fund unemployment by continuing employer contributions, instead of using taxpayer money. They want Governor Whitmer to hold the line and not allow Republican kickbacks for employers. Republicans are holding back federal monies to try and force Governor Whitmer to relinquish her powers.

#LansingMI #CapitalismAndEconomy #PeoplesStruggles #IATSE

Lansing, MI – 120 union members and supporters marched through downtown Lansing, July 15, chanting, “They say cut back! We say fight back!” The march stopped at a union worker statue where Nick Eaton of IATSE Local 247 spoke, “This statue represents the workers who built the new buildings you see in front of you. It also reflects the history of factory workers before deindustrialization left ugly scenes and empty lots, like many cities in the Midwest.”

The marchers returned to the State Capitol building chanting about unemployment, “Extend to the end!” and “HEROES Act now!” Josh Roskamp with IATSE Local 26 explained, “The hundreds of post cards addressed to Republican Senator Mitch McConnell will send a message that we need the $600. We can’t wait for it to run out. We need every person at this rally to organize small groups to visit politicians at their offices to talk about unemployment and the HEROES Act!”

Pete Vargas with the Restaurant Opportunities Center spoke at the rally, “Many of our food service workers live on tips, and are low wage at $3.25 per hour. For those who applied, many of them women and immigrants, they only make $126 a week for unemployment. It is just totally unacceptable. We support the expansion on both the state level and federal level.”

Nia Winston, president of UNITE HERE Local 24 covering Michigan and Ohio, opened with the crowd chanting, “No justice! No peace!” Winston spoke passionately, “All of us have been essential for a long ass time, but nobody recognized that until now.” She then told the story of a McLaren Hospital porter forced to wear a plastic trash bag for PPE during the COVID-19 crisis. Other workers had to beg for masks while the McLaren Health Care Corporation continued to roll in the profits.

Speaking to the unemployment need, Winston said, “For UNITE HERE union, 98% of our members are on furlough. If Congress and the Senate does not pass the HEROES Act now, unfortunately we will have members with serious medical conditions who will lose their health care.”

She finished by saying, “Who the hell can live off of $300 per week unemployment? Extend the HEROES Act to the end! My plea is to the Senate to pass the HEROES Act now. Do your damn job!”

The rally also featured a leading group of IATSE union stagehands Walter Shink, Lindsey Katerberg, Joe Miller, Tom Rivera and Josh Roskamp. IATSE members work in Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.

Anne Brown spoke for U.S. Congressperson Elissa Slotkin of the 8th District on the topic, “What is the HEROES Act and what to expect?” She finished with a call and response, “When we fight! We win!”

Importantly, Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO spoke about workers being sick, and the people he knows who died. Bieber explained, “Dumbass Donald Trump has failed to have a coordinated federal response, to this day, after all the pain and all the deaths in this country. He continues to downplay the seriousness of the virus; after all we have been through.”

Bieber continued, “You cannot fix this economic crisis until you fix the health crisis. Get your ass to work fixing that, Donald.”

Josh Roskamp closed the rally by responding to Presidential Advisor Ivana Trump’s “Find something new” statement last week. Roskamp said, “Do we really want to be competing for everybody else’s job? Do we really need to run down all our wages?”

U.S. unemployment rose by 1.8 million workers this past week. Officially there are 33 million unemployed, including 2 million in the entertainment industry.

#LansingMI #CapitalismAndEconomy #PoorPeoplesMovements #Unemployment #PeoplesStruggles #AFLCIO #IATSE #HEROSACT

After a spoken word performance and moment of silence for victims of racist violence, One Love Global CEO and Black Lives Matter-Lansing cofounder Angela Waters Austin spoke with panelists from the Ingham County Health Department about public health deficits experienced by African Americans and other oppressed nationalities and about the rise of white supremacy.

The panelists from the Ingham County Health Department were Deputy Health Officer Debbie Edokpolo, Health Officer Linda Vail, and Medical Director Dr. Adenike “Nike” Shoyinka. Ingham County Commissioner Derrell Slaughter also spoke on the panel.

Vail, acting in what she called an “advisory” capacity, said, “I call on [the Ingham County Board of Commissioners] to formally adopt my resolution: The declaration of racism as a public health emergency in Ingham County, and to do so as quickly and expeditiously as possible.” Commissioner Slaughter answered her call by stating he would do everything he could to encourage his colleagues to adopt the resolution, and promised: “We are working on that, 100% we are gonna pass that.”

Dr. Shoyinka then discussed the resolution in the context of a growing national movement to classify racism as a public health crisis. Dr. Shoyinka explained, “So poor health is a byproduct of racism. Morbidity and mortality is a byproduct of racism. I see this all the time when I see patients…We see this in almost every public health measure that we use. Black people are just disproportionately affected.”

Among these measures, she lists infant and maternal mortality, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and COVID-19. She concluded with a call to action, “We need to name racism for what it is – it’s a disease in and of itself. And we need to address it as such. We are in a crisis and this needs to be addressed with urgency, to have a lasting solution.” Deputy Health Officer Edokpolo concluded the panel in agreement, vowing “We will not go back to business as normal.”

In the second segment of the event, included firefighter (and the host of the program Merica 20 to Life) Michael Lynn, and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor to discuss policing and racism in the city. The discussion started with Lynn critiquing the city budget for the low spending on community programs and for 21% spending on policing. He also criticized placement of police officers in schools. Lynn ultimately called for a divestment of funds away from the police department and investment in community structures and also challenged the mayor on statements made about the Lansing School District and a diversity task force.

Mayor Schor initially responded by affirming his opposition to discrimination and police brutality, but quickly became defensive when Lynn interjected to ask a question to guide discussion toward policing of teenagers. Schor indicated a number of training, transparency and community policing initiatives before he finally invited Lynn to attend budget hearings. When pressed again on divestment of funds, Schor began to list off programs and their purpose and began to defend the police force and its diversity. Lynn once again interjected to discuss over-policing and harassment of Black youth in his community.

At that point, the panelists became more openly argumentative and began talking concurrently, and Lynn accused Schor of not listening to the community and making decisions they oppose. Eventually, the panelists got into a back-and-forth on first responder demographics. This prompted One Love Global Director of Transformational Leadership, Sean Holland, to interrupt and give the floor to Angela Austin, who had raised her hand.

Austin started her discussion by laying out a year’s worth of actions the city had taken against Black community organizations. Schor attempted to interrupt, but was stopped by Austin, who eventually asked, “I know you feel ambushed right now, don’t you?” Schor affirmed, “I sure do.”

Austin then replied, in reference to the events of May 31, when police fired tear gas into a protest near the capitol, stating, “Well imagine how those Black kids felt, when you left them out in the street. When you knew what was coming, and you left them. You left them, and you knew you could have protected them. You called the pastors, but you didn’t call the parents. You didn’t alert the community. You didn’t get on your technology to alert the community what was coming. And I am right now calling for your resignation.”

Before the panel closed, Austin once again asked Schor if he would resign, to which he replied that he was “not planning to resign right now.”

#LansingMI #PoliceBrutality #PeoplesStruggles #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd

Lansing, MI – UPS announced first quarter profits of $965 million. The profits are down only slightly from last year’s $1.1 billion, despite the closure of many commercial businesses. UPS has filled this commercial business shortfall with an increase in residential delivery, causing long hours of work for package car drivers.

The concessionary Teamster mis-leadership has declared that they will not seek hazard pay from UPS. They are instead operating on the logic that the union must cooperate with and concede to the company to maintain operations.

In early March, before the U.S. government had taken much action against the coronavirus, UPS’ CFO Brian Newmann was quoted in Reuters, saying “Our planes are flying in and out of China right now...I think we’re trying to position ourselves to take advantage of some pent-up demand.” Even outside of UPS, the investment class is openly positioning to profit off of UPS during the pandemic. Writing for InvestorPlace Media, Chartered Financial Analyst Mark Hake characterizes coronavirus as delivering a “discount” on UPS stock and advises “UPS stock looks attractive. Its present price already discounts a lot of bad news.”

Rank-and-file members are not backing down from a fight. Breaking with the Hoffa administration, members have been circulating several petitions for hazard pay from the company. In addition, as reported in Fight Back! Teamsters in Tampa, Florida have started a campaign to demand hazard pay.

Outside of UPS, hazard pay has been offered by many retail and grocery companies, including Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Costco, Sprouts, and Kroger, according to the Los Angeles Times. Even within the logistics industry, Amazon has increased overtime pay for warehouse workers. UPS is taking advantage of the pandemic and profit massively at the expense of the workers’ safety.

Teamsters can sign the petition for UPS hazard pay here: Hazard Pay Petition

#LansingMI #PeoplesStruggles #Teamsters #UnitedParcelService #COVID19 #HazardPay

Lansing, MI – In the April 13 edition of USA Today, Teamster head James P. Hoffa and three other labor leaders signed an outrageous letter entitled “Coronavirus is a stress test for capitalism, and we see encouraging signs.” The article fawned over the same companies that rank-and-file Teamsters across the country are fighting every day. It was especially outrageous given that Teamsters in many industries still lack appropriate PPE, sanitary working conditions, information and hazard pay.

Peppered throughout the article are silly platitudes about “well-managed companies with established relationships to workers,” “companies are preparing to lead the recovery,” and, “We look forward to sitting down with the nation’s business leaders...to hammer out agreements that will restore profits as we emerge from this crisis.” The article states that UPS is part of a “pattern of respect and recognition.” Everyone who works there knows that’s a lie.

Hoffa and his cohorts talk tough about the state of corporate America, but he quickly dives into heaping praise onto Teamste