UPS pilots union approves move on strike

UPS pilots union approves move on strike The union representing pilots at UPS has approved holding a strike authorization vote after lengthy contract discussions between the two sides broke down, Associated Press reported Thursday night.
   The two sides have been in federal mediated talks since last June, but have not been able to reach agreement on issues involving scheduling, scope, compensation, pension and benefits, AP reported. A strike authorization vote allows the union to call a strike without polling its members again. It does not imply that a strike will happen imminently.
   A spokesman for the Independent Pilots Association, which represents UPS’s 2,483 pilots, said the results of the vote should be announced by May 12.
   Associated Press also quoted UPS as saying discussions between both sides are continuing. More talks have been scheduled for May, according to UPS.
   In October, the Independent Pilots Association criticized UPS for outsourcing the flying of cargo from the Far East into America to China Airlines.
   UPS shares closed down 6 cents (or 0.1 percent) at $72.20 Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange.