What counts as just cause for discipline at UPS?

Discipline must be supported by just cause — a fair investigation, consistent treatment, and progressive discipline.

"Just cause" is the contractual standard for any discipline or discharge under the UPS Teamsters agreement. Arbitrators generally evaluate just cause on a handful of tests: was the rule reasonable and known, was the investigation fair, was the rule applied consistently, was there real proof, and was the penalty proportionate to the offense?

Progressive discipline — a warning, then a suspension, then discharge — is the norm except for the contractually defined "cardinal" offenses (theft, dishonesty, certain safety violations) where immediate discharge is allowed. If you're disciplined, request a steward, request the company's evidence in writing, and file a grievance within your supplement's window.

Ask TeamstersGPT for the just-cause language in your supplement and the list of cardinal offenses that apply in your local.

Ask TeamstersGPT with your supplement selected to get the cited article and section for your local.