See the real story

Now that Teamsters Canada is publicly responding to requests from FedEx workers about unionization, the myth campaign from management is likely to get under way soon. Head office could spend millions of dollars trying to keep you from even showing any interest in joining a union - something you're allowed to do under the laws of Canada.

What can you expect from management? Well, they will likely bring in plenty of lawyers and other corporate suits - managers who are experienced in union-busting tactics, legal or otherwise. And the myths will start.

So this is a key section of our website. Because here you are going to see the real story. While they may be out to bust a union, we'll be busting their myths and other tactics. We invite you to keep up-to-date with out latest Real Story video blog - and see our response to what management is saying on our Bust a Myth page.

No forced overtime

My manager said that if we join the teamsters we will be forced to work tons of overtime and do 120 stops a day. Is this true?

Totally false!! Purolator and UPS are run differently than FedEx. Primarily the routes are much smaller than an average FedEx route… not to mention that at Purolator and UPS the ground and air freight are combined on the trucks.

Both Purolator and UPS collective agreements have protection against forced overtime:

  • Purolator Collective Agreement – The company can only force you to work ½ hrs over your hour-band. So if you have an 8 hrs guarantee route the company can only force you to work 8.5 hrs in any given day unless you want the overtime.
  • UPS Collective Agreement – If you feel you are working excessive overtime you must first approach your supervisor. If your supervisor fails to deal with the situation you write a letter to the Division Manager (90% of the time the problem is fixed at this stage). If that doesn’t work you can file a grievance…. depending on the route and family situation most grievance resolutions provide zero to 1 hrs of forced overtime. Remember, UPS full-time drivers are all guaranteed 8 hrs per day of work and load-balancing for exactly 8 hrs is difficult.

Myth #1: The union just wants your dues money

The truth is... As newly organized Teamsters, you won’t pay union dues until you’ve negotiated and voted to approve your first contract – and decided for yourselves whether it’s worth it. Read more >