UPS, Teamsters Union prepare for nation’s largest strike in 60 years
If negotiations are unsuccessful, the deliveries that Americans have come to rely on, particularly since the pandemic began in 2020, could be vastly disrupted.
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There are threats of another historic strike as UPS workers, around 15,000 in New Jersey, are ready to walk out as they're demanding better pay. This would be the largest strike in the U.S. in 60 years.
Negotiations broke down earlier this month and unionized workers have been holding rallies and practice pickets across the country. The Teamsters, which represent more than half of the company's workforce, will resume talks with UPS on Tuesday.
Union leaders say their demands are reasonable compared to what the company could lose. The Teamsters are calling for better pay, particularly for part-time employees, and improved working conditions.
UPS has maintained that it already offers “industry-leading pay and benefits,” but says it's prepared to increase that compensation. In a Friday update, the company said it aimed “quickly to finalize a fair deal that provides certainty for our customers, our employees and businesses across the country.”
If negotiations are unsuccessful, the deliveries that Americans have come to rely on, particularly since the pandemic began in 2020, could be vastly disrupted. Such an impasse hasn’t been seen since 1997, well before delivery of everyday items from dog food to prescription drugs became the norm, when a walkout by 185,000 workers crippled UPS.
Experts expect this strike to cost up to $5 billion.
Associated Press wires contributed to this story.
