UAW members join global protest against UPS for abuse of workers in Turkey

UAW workers in three U.S. cities were among thousands of protesters worldwide who demanded that United Parcel Service (UPS) stop subjecting its workforce in Turkey to firings, physical violence and other abuse for trying to organize a union.

 

Groups of UAW demonstrated peacefully at UPS offices in Detroit, Chicago and Louisville, Ky., on Sept. 1 in a show of support for Turkish workers who are trying to form a union in that nation. They were joined by protesters in 45 locations around the world who demand that the parcel delivery service UPS “deliver justice, not abuse” to its workers in Turkey.

 

“UPS has an obligation to end the physical abuse of its workers in Turkey and allow them the right to join a union if that’s what they desire,” said Mark Haasis, one of many UAW members demonstrating in Detroit. “We’re proud to support them and will keep the pressure on UPS to do the right thing.”

 

The UAW has affiliated with the International Transport Workers Federation, which sponsored the worldwide protests. At least 157 workers have been fired for pro-union activity at UPS facilities and at its subcontractors. Workers have also been subjected to physical violence from local police.

 

Other U.S.-based unions supporting this effort include the Teamsters, Transportation Workers Union, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, and the International Longshoremen’s Association.