Negotiations between UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing 330,000 UPS delivery drivers and warehouse workers, have resumed. The Teamsters had set a deadline of June 30 for UPS to present their final offer, warning that the drivers would walk away from negotiations if this wasn’t met. UPS responded with a new contract, however, the Teamsters feel that the offer falls short of their expectations.
Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer, Fred Zuckerman, announced on July 1 that UPS made some progress in their counterproposal, particularly in terms of wages and economic matters. Despite this, Zuckerman expressed that the offer was still insufficient. UPS has committed to reaching an agreement with the Teamsters by July 5, a deadline that both parties have agreed upon.
The Teamsters have been clear in stating that a new contract must be in place by August 1. They have emphasized that they will not work beyond the expiration of their current agreement. Teamsters General President, Sean M. O’Brien, stated that UPS initially showed reluctance to address economic issues. However, they eventually conceded that a deal must be reached by July 5 since they have no other choice.
The current contract between the union and UPS is set to end on August 1. The Teamsters have put forward a set of demands, which include increased pay that eliminates a two-tier wage system, additional full-time positions, improved health and safety measures, and protection against managerial harassment.
UPS also issued a statement expressing their encouragement with the Teamsters’ willingness to continue negotiations and consider their most recent proposal. The company emphasized the importance of productive discussions at this stage in the process and their desire to reach an agreement that provides certainty for their employees, customers, and the U.S. economy.
Last year, UPS reported 24.3 million package deliveries per day, amounting to a total of 6.2 billion packages worldwide and generating $100 billion in revenue.
Negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters have been ongoing, with talks extending late into the night earlier this week. The Teamsters claimed that towards the end of the negotiations, UPS attempted to introduce “concessionary language”. Upon reconvening the following day, UPS presented the same proposal that had been rejected by the Teamsters, prompting the union to threaten a strike if a better offer was not presented by June 30.
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