Current:Home > MyUPS workers edge closer to strike as union negotiations stall -BeyondProfit Compass
UPS workers edge closer to strike as union negotiations stall
TradeEdge View
Date:2025-04-10 23:15:26
The Teamsters Union and UPS on Wednesday accused each other of abandoning labor negotiations aimed at averting what would be the largest strike in the U.S. since the 1950s.
The union, which represents roughly 340,000 full- and part-time drivers, loaders and package handlers, said UPS presented an "unacceptable offer" that "did not address members' needs."
"UPS had a choice to make, and they have clearly chosen to go down the wrong road," Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said in a statement.
UPS denied that it ended negotiations. "We have not walked away, and the union has a responsibility to remain at the table," the delivery giant said in a statement. "Refusing to negotiate, especially when the finish line is in sight, creates significant unease among employees and customers and threatens to disrupt the U.S. economy."
The labor contract covering unionized UPS workers is due to expire at the end of the month. Employees at the company have authorized a work stoppage should the parties fail to strike a deal.
The Teamsters union last week gave UPS a deadline of June 30 to bring its "last, best and final" deal to the table, warning that a strike would be "imminent" if the company didn't significantly sweeten its offer by then.
- UPS workers vote to strike, setting stage for biggest walkout since 1959
- Here's what the potential UPS strike could mean for your packages
- UPS strike "imminent" if pay agreement not reached by Friday, Teamsters warn
Failure to finalize the contract could precipitate the largest U.S. labor strike since 1959, jeopardizing millions of daily deliveries.
The union is trying to secure higher pay and more full-time jobs for UPS employees. It has also requested delivery trucks' surveillance cameras be removed and that employees, regardless of their tenure, be paid the same wages for working the same job. UPS told CBS MoneyWatch the technology used to monitor their drivers' movements is for their safety, describing the devices as a "sensor" rather than a camera.
Workers are unhappy with their current contract, which the union's former leaders secured on a technicality. Discontent over the contract inspired union members to push out their former leaders and install the group's current president, O'Brien, who has embraced the possibility of a strike.
UPS maintains that its latest contract offer is "historic" and that its drivers are the "best-paid in the industry."
Workers at UPS last went on strike for 15 days in 1997, in a walkout that led to $850 million in company losses, Reuters reported. Since then, the company has grown significantly in size as e-commerce has driven demand for expedited delivery.
UPS says it delivers the equivalent of about 6% of the nation's gross domestic product, meaning a work stoppage could lead to frustrations for U.S. consumers and disrupt the many businesses that depend on speedy shipping.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- In:
- Labor Union
- Strike
- UPS
veryGood! (57)
Related
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- US delegation praises Taiwan’s democracy after pro-independence presidential candidate wins election
- Nick Saban's daughter Kristen Saban Setas reflects on his retirement as Alabama coach
- Tina Fey says she and work 'wife' Amy Poehler still watch 'SNL' together
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Romania truck drivers, farmers protest again as negotiations with government fail to reach agreement
- Small plane crash kills 3 in North Texas, authorities say; NTSB opens investigation
- Nicaragua says it released Bishop Rolando Álvarez and 18 priests from prison, handed them to Vatican
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Texas physically barred Border Patrol agents from trying to rescue migrants who drowned, federal officials say
Ranking
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Tropical Cyclone Belal hits the French island of Reunion. Nearby Mauritius is also on high alert
- Aliens found in Peru are actually dolls made of bones, forensic experts declare
- No joke: Feds are banning humorous electronic messages on highways
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Look Back at Chicago West's Cutest Pics
- NFL playoff schedule: Divisional-round dates, times, TV info
- Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan endorses Nikki Haley
Recommendation
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
In Uganda, refugees’ need for wood ravaged the forest. Now, they work to restore it
How to watch the Emmys on Monday night
Horse racing in China’s gaming hub of Macao to end in April, after over 40 years
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
Joseph Zadroga, advocate for 9/11 first responders, killed in parking lot accident, police say
Who is Puka Nacua? What to know about the Rams record-setting rookie receiver
Rams vs. Lions wild card playoff highlights: Detroit wins first postseason game in 32 years