June 16 (UPI) — The members of the Teamsters union employed at UPS have overwhelmingly voted, with 97% in favor, to authorize a strike if a new labor contract is not agreed upon by July 31.
The union represents a total of 340,000 UPS workers.
This vote does not immediately initiate a strike, but it grants the Teamster leaders the authority to declare a strike supported by its members if they determine it to be necessary.
“This vote demonstrates that hundreds of thousands of Teamsters are united and determined in their pursuit of the best contract in our history with UPS. If this multibillion-dollar corporation fails to fulfill the contract that our hardworking members deserve, UPS will essentially be striking itself,” stated Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien in an official statement. “The power of our members lies in their labor, and they are prepared to withhold it in order to ensure that UPS acts in accordance with their demands.”
As stated in the Teamsters’ official statement, they are seeking a new five-year labor agreement with UPS that guarantees increased wages for all workers, the creation of more full-time positions, an end to forced overtime, the elimination of a two-tier wage system, and improved workplace protections against hazardous conditions such as heat.
In response, UPS issued a statement saying, “The results of the vote do not indicate an imminent strike and do not currently impact our ongoing business operations. Authorization votes and approvals are normal steps in labor union negotiations. We continue to make progress on key issues and remain confident that we will reach an agreement that benefits our employees, the Teamsters, our company, and our customers.”
The Teamsters’ contract with UPS is the largest single private-sector labor union contract in existence.
“This vote to authorize a strike sends a clear message to UPS that our members are determined to take the necessary action to secure a historic contract that respects their dedication and sacrifices,” declared Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman in a statement. “Our members are the backbone of UPS and the reason why this corporation generated over $100 billion in revenue just last year. It is time for UPS to compensate them accordingly.”
Negotiations between the national UPS office and the Teamsters for a new five-year contract commenced on April 17.
It is worth noting that the union and UPS have already reached agreement on numerous issues, including the provision of air conditioning for drivers in UPS delivery trucks.
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