> The things us ground guys don't understand is why did the IPA postpone negotiations for almost 2 years (thats is what we were told by the union) ? <

Soyathink,
Two years? Wonder where they got that number? While there was a break while we transitioned to a new president and negotiating committee, it was not any two years. Moreover, that does not excuse the company - it could have used the break to work on their own offer. Oh, that's right, the Most Admired Company (not one of the best companies to work for, remmember?) didn't do that. In statements that anyone can look up, UPS consistently said it, "hoped to continue talks." They meant that exactly. Not reach agreement, just talk. Only when this was pointedly noted, did the company alter that statement.

So you are not a manager? And you have heard some of the line pilots say disparaging things about drivers and/or package handlers? Could you provide examples with date and place? Names would be great too. Does your union have a Professional Standards Committee? If so, they can certainly find our union and same committee, and they should in any such incident.

Fraternally,
FreeCruiser