UPS and the Teamsters traded accusations Wednesday after additional breakdowns in contract negotiations.
Both events issued dueling statements, with every accusing the opposite of strolling away from the negotiating desk.
“The Teamsters have stopped negotiating despite UPS’ historic offer that builds on our industry-leading pay. We have nearly a month left to negotiate. We have not walked away, and the union has a responsibility to remain at the table,” UPS mentioned in an announcement.
The Teamsters mentioned the delivery firm made a proposal that was “universally rejected” and subsequently stop negotiating.
“UPS had a choice to make, and they have clearly chosen to go down the wrong road,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien mentioned.
A driver strike looms if a contract just isn’t reached by the tip of this month. Teamster drivers have already signed a strike authorization settlement.
If a walkout occurs, it will likely be the primary UPS driver strike since 1997 and would be the greatest single-employer strike in U.S. historical past, with 340,000 drivers going off the highway. It may spell financial catastrophe for UPS and the U.S. financial system. If drivers go on the picket line, a big variety of packages wouldn’t be delivered to customers and companies, resulting in empty retailer cabinets.
The union is asking for wages to maintain tempo with inflation, extra full-time jobs and higher office safety. While UPS has conceded to among the calls for of the Teamsters, it’s clear the union needs extra concessions.
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