Teamsters Authorize UPS Strike If Negotiations Fail

WASHINGTON, DC — UPS Teamsters voted by an overwhelming 97 percent to authorize a strike if UPS and the union cannot agree on a new contract by July 31. The Teamsters represent more than 340,000 UPS package delivery drivers and warehouse logistics workers nationwide.

“This vote shows that hundreds of thousands of Teamsters are united and determined to get the best contract in our history at UPS. If this multibillion-dollar corporation fails to deliver on the contract that our hardworking members deserve, UPS will be striking itself,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The strongest leverage our members have is their labor and they are prepared to withhold it to ensure UPS acts accordingly.”

The UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement is the largest private-sector contract in North America. Full- and part-time UPS Teamsters are working in lockstep for a new five-year agreement that guarantees higher wages for all workers, more full-time jobs, an end to forced overtime and harassment from management, elimination of a two-tier wage system, and protection from heat and other workplace hazards.

UPS reported on June 16 that talks on the National Master Agreement are continuing.

“UPS and the Teamsters reached a substantial agreement on heat safety—including vehicle enhancements to improve airflow, comfort and temperature. This agreement builds on important heat-safety actions the company announced in the spring. Subcommittees made strong progress this week, reaching agreement on topics such as safety and health, subcontracting, and overtime rules,” according to the UPS statement.

“Additionally, the Teamsters announced the results of their recent strike authorization vote, and as expected, voting members overwhelmingly approved. The outcome of this vote does not mean a strike is imminent or impact UPS’s current business operations in any way. Negotiations will resume next week, and UPS remains confident we will continue progress to reach an agreement before the end of July.”

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