Activism Made Easy: Choosing UPS

Hand in hand with the endless stream of global inequities, issues and problems that assault us often comes frustration, despair, helplessness and guilt over the insurmountable odds of being able to make a difference. Marching, signing petitions, writing letters to the editor, joining a campaign, and sending donations to organizations just don't seem to bring about change -- even though I continue to fight the good fight. However, when I read the New York Times' front page story in the Sunday Business section titled "Working Life (High and Low)" on 4/19/08, I felt a sudden surge of relief at how easy it was going to be for me to take a stand in a meaningful way. Hitting a greedy company in the pocket always makes a difference, and it always hurts. The company I'm talking about is Federal Express, which shall henceforth be referred to as the Evil Empire.

According to the article, which was adapted from a book called The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the American Worker by Steven Greenhouse, the Evil Empire is apparently trying to outdo Wal-Mart in the despicable corporate practices arena. In order to work for the EE, all drivers must 1) buy their own trucks at high monthly installments, with an $8,000 final payment, 2) pay for insurance, 3) pay for gas, maintenance and tires, 4) take orders on what to do, when to do it, and where to do it, including when they can take time off, 5) load an average of 100-140 packages onto the truck every day, and 6) wear their uniform. But, they are not considered employees. No, no, no! They're independent contractors! So, the anti-union EE gets away with not paying payroll taxes or social security. On top of that, they seem to be duking it out with Dick Cheney for Top Dog in the humane department. When one of their drivers asked for time off for chemotherapy treatments (she had a resurgence of stage 4 cancer), they fired her, even though she had worked there ten years.

These policies give the EE an advantage over UPS, which treats their drivers as regular employees, with all the benefits that come with full-time employment. My small business has been using the Evil Empire for years because their rates are lower. But, they don't play fair. So, effective immediately, I'll pay a little more, and switch to UPS. It's going to be so easy! Forward this to ten people...

Comments

[AlButerol]

They also treat their customers as badly as they treat their workers. If your package does not get delivered to your house in my area (a common occurrence - they frequently cannot find addresses), there is only one pickup site serving a large area. It is likely that you will find yourself in a small hot room with thirty people and no chairs and wait half an hour before an employee even makes an appearance. Be prepared to wait hours before you get your package. I am willing to pay extra to have something shipped by any means other than FedEx.

[joyf1]

What happened to the Family Medical Leave Act? I was covered for 12 weeks when my husband had surgery for cancer and the subsequent time off for treatments, etc. Clinton had this law passed when he was President. This worker should be covered by something. Maybe the Disabilities Act? Cancer can put you in the disabled category sometimes. (not always) What a disgusting shame to do this to that woman. I'll use UPS from now on. Thanks for the heads up.

[aceholiday]

thank you so much for this little gem

[mamacat]

UPS has a reputation as a hard, demanding company to work for. They also have unions, and excellent retirement benefits that the unions oversee, so it is impossible for the company to arbitrarily take away or change the retirement benefits, as so many other companies have done.

By the way, the unions were INVITED into the company by the originators of UPS, because they thought it was a good idea that the employees have someone representing them. All of the original creators of the company are gone, and it is showing signs of reverting to a typical American corporation, but for now, it is the best of the package delivery companies to work for.

[itmaybetoolate]

Excellent - I will spread the word!

[Atticus]

Good for you!

[activemom]

I completely agree that the treatment of their drivers is wrong, however you are misguided in choosing UPS. UPS is a big business like any other. Before giving a blanket statement of support you should check out how all employees are treated. Both UPS and Fedex are crucial to our economy, but do you know most desk workers live paycheck to paycheck and work amazing hours? Google "is UPS a good company to work for". I think you'll be surprised at the first link. There is a lot more to both of these companies than just drivers. Pop into any one of their offices in a smaller city near a custom's hub. I bet there you will get a true sense of what the company can be like for many.