UPS, pilots’ union go to mediation

   After failing to reach a deal by themselves, UPS and the Independent Pilots Association, which represents UPS pilots, have requested mediation by the National Mediation Board to resolve an ongoing contract dispute.
   The contract, which falls under the Railway Labor Act, has been amenable since Dec. 31, 2011.
   “Not only is NMB mediation a common part of the negotiations process under the RLA, the NMB has successfully mediated every contract UPS has negotiated with the IPA,” UPS and the IPA said in a joint statement. “The parties have utilized their best efforts over the past two and a half years of negotiations, and have not yet reached agreement in the contract areas of scheduling, compensation, pension, scope and benefits.”
   According to press reports, all three contracts that have been agreed on between UPS and the IPA have gone through the mediation process.