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July 25 (UPI) — UPS and the Teamsters announced on Wednesday that they have reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement just days before the expiration of their current contract, which could have led to a strike.
The proposed five-year agreement will cover International Brotherhood of Teamsters-represented employees in small-package roles and includes higher wages, air conditioning in trucks, and the hiring of 30,000 new drivers.
The deal must now be voted on by the rank-and-file members.
“Together, we have reached a win-win-win agreement on the important issues for Teamsters leadership, our employees, UPS, and our customers,” stated UPS CEO Carol Tomé.
“This agreement continues to provide industry-leading pay and benefits for UPS’s full- and part-time employees while maintaining the necessary flexibility to stay competitive, serve our customers, and keep our business strong.”
The Teamsters have announced that existing part-time workers will earn a minimum of $21 an hour, with full-time workers averaging $49 an hour. Additionally, the contract will eliminate mandatory overtime on drivers’ days off.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien described the contract as “historic,” acknowledging the sacrifices made by UPS workers during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the delivery of goods while much of the country was under lockdown.
“Teamster labor drives America forward,” said O’Brien in a statement. “The union was determined to secure the best contract in UPS history, and we have achieved it.”
The Teamsters also stated that the contract includes cargo ventilation in trucks and package cars acquired after January 1, 2024. All UPS vehicles will be equipped with two fans and air induction vents in the cargo compartments.
