Failed contract talks could lead to UPS strike

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), Airline Division has sent a request to the National Mediation Board that it release the aircraft mechanics of UPS from contract negotiations after more than four years of bargaining without reaching an agreement. “UPS’ aircraft mechanics simply want a fair agreement that recognises we have been without a new contract since 2006,” said Robert Combine, UPS aircraft mechanic and President of Teamsters Local 2727 in Louisville. Combine continued: “Our Company has made substantial profits since 2006, even considering the economic downturn last year; yet UPS has been unwilling to make a reasonable settlement offer, especially on the questions of job security for our members against foreign outsourcing and protecting our health benefits.”

“The IBT has put forward a reasonable proposal to serve as a basis for final settlement, but UPS has refused to do the same,” Combine explained.

Under the terms of the Railway Labor Act, the IBT has requested that the National Mediation Board release UPS and its aircraft mechanics from mediation and make a proffer of binding arbitration. Either party may reject that offer of arbitration, which would then trigger a 30-day “cooling off” period countdown to a potential strike.

Concerning the potential for a strike at UPS, Combine stated, “UPS’ aircraft mechanics voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike if the company refused to make a reasonable contract offer. We do not wish to go out on strike. But UPS will leave us no choice if it insists on its unreasonable position.”

“The IBT and its 1.4m members, including over 200,000 Teamsters at UPS, stand strongly behind the Teamster UPS aircraft mechanics in their effort for a fair agreement,” stated Capt. David Bourne, director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “More than four years of unsuccessful bargaining is far too long.  That’s why we were compelled to ask the National Mediation Board to move this dispute to the final stage in an effort to push the Company to a reasonable deal.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4m men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.