A key trade union for US delivery firm UPS has confirmed that it enjoys the support of members to threaten strike action should it become necessary if current, ongoing negotiations stumble. There is no particular dispute underway. Rather, the ballot has been taken in relation to the renewal of their joint agreement that lasts 5 years and expires on July 21st.
The Teamsters union (International Brotherhood of Teamsters or IBT) represents about 260,000 employees at United Parcel Service, announced that over 90% of its UPS employed members voted to go on strike, if necessary.
This vote by our UPS and UPS Freight members gives the negotiating committees bargaining leverage this week and during subsequent negotiations for the national contract and the supplements. It is very helpful to have the members’ backing as we work toward negotiating strong contracts at UPS and UPS Freight.
– Denis Taylor, Director of the Teamsters Package Division and Co-Chairman of the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee
One potential bone of contention is the possible introduction of Sunday deliveries. It’s interesting to note that until recent years the company didn’t even offer Saturday services. These have since been introduced in most metropolitan areas across the United States. And, as the demands of ecommerce increase, Sunday deliveries are understood to be the next move. This is not popular with the union.
The Teamsters leadership has announced its members have overwhelmingly voted for UPS strike authorization. This was a routine and expected part of the negotiation process. Regardless of the authorization to strike, the reality is that a strike authorization vote does not give the IBT the ability to call a strike while the current national master agreements are in effect through July 31, 2018.
– United Postal Service
