The Teamsters union said Friday that UPS Inc. has made a contract offer that is a “significant move” in terms of pay, perks, and how workers are classified.
The union says that the company has promised to make a deal by Wednesday that will cover all 340,000 Teamster workers.
Teamsters Union Continues to Pressure UPS for Better Deal
The union stated that despite the progress, it is not enough. The Teamster national committee members caucused and decided to continue putting pressure on the company after UPS executives left the negotiating room.
Fred Zuckerman, the Teamsters’ general secretary-treasurer, stated that either UPS will come to terms on a deal that can be confidently recommended to their members, or UPS will fail and the company will put itself on the street.
UPS Concedes to Teamsters And Demands for Improved Compensation and Workplace Protections
Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien stated that they are compelling UPS to provide their members with increased compensation and improved workplace protections. UPS was not initially inclined to make progress on economics, however, they have now conceded and stated that they will reach a deal by July 5 due to their lack of alternatives.
The news comes just two days after the Teamsters demanded that UPS make its “last, best, and final offer” on the economic terms of the deal. This kind of claim has no legal or formal weight in the talks. When one side tries to put pressure on the other, this is a popular way to negotiate.
UPS and Teamsters Continue Negotiations as Deadline Approaches
The current deal will end at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 31. The Teamsters have always said that if they don’t get a new deal by August 1, they will go on strike.
UPS stated that they are encouraged by the Teamsters’ readiness to continue negotiations and discuss their most recent proposal. Productive discussions are crucial at this stage of the process. The company eagerly anticipates receiving input from the union to achieve a timely agreement and ensure stability for our employees, customers, and the U.S. economy.
On Saturday at noon ET, the Teamsters will hold a news conference.
Final Wording
In conclusion, UPS Inc. has made a “significant movement” in its contract offer to the Teamsters union in terms of pay, perks, and how employees are grouped. The company has also said it will finish a deal for 340,000 Teamster workers by Wednesday.
It’s hard to say how this will affect the shipping business, but if UPS and the union can come to a reasonable agreement on a new deal, that would be a good sign.
Keep checking Lading Logistics for more trucking & logistics news in the future.
