Teamsters asks UPS mechanics for strike vote

Teamsters Local 2727, the union that represents airline mechanics at UPS, has called on its members to conduct a strike vote. The vote is expected to be taken by 14 September, the union said in a news release.

The union represents nearly 1,400 plane mechanics that work for UPS. The union began informational picketing about the ongoing contract dispute in October 2008.

The mechanics earn $43 per hour and don’t have to contribute toward payment of their health insurance premiums.

The contract with UPS became amendable on 1 November 2006, and the two sides have been negotiating amendments since then. The mechanics could strike only if the National Labor Relations Board says the two parties are at an impasse.

Teamsters Local 2727 president Robert Combine said the company wants union members and retirees to start contributing to their health insurance premiums and that it wants to reduce coverage for some care to 85% to 100%.