Teamsters Say UPS Strike ‘Imminent,’ Set Last Offer Deadline (1)

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has walked away from negotiations with United Parcel Service Inc., raising the most serious threat yet of a strike for 330,000 truck drivers and other workers.

The Teamsters said in a statement that negotiators ended talks on Wednesday and demanded that UPS exchange its last and final offer by June 30. The company “attempted to move the goalposts at the 11th hour” and asked the Teamsters for concessions over health, welfare, and pensions, the union said.

A nationwide strike is now “imminent,” the Teamsters added.

In a statement, UPS said it had presented a “significantly amended proposal to address key demands from the Teamsters.”

“We’re working around the clock to reach an agreement that strengthens our industry-leading pay and benefits ahead of the current contract’s expiration on August 1,” the company said. “We remain at the table ready to negotiate.”

The current collective bargaining agreement expires in just under five weeks, but the union has already been holding practice picketing sessions for members.

The Teamsters’ pugnacious new president, Sean O’Brien, campaigned on bringing a tougher tone to UPS negotiations and has been personally leading negotiations in Washington. Union rank and file this month overwhelmingly voted to give leaders the authority to call a strike if they deem it necessary.

One of the union’s top priorities is eliminating a two-tier wage system for drivers established under the last contract. At best, the lower tier makes $5 an hour less than the top rate for package car drivers of $39, despite doing identical work, Teamsters spokeswoman Kara Deniz said.

UPS has alraedy agreed to some of the Teamsters’ proposals, including the installation of air conditioning in trucks.