UPS TEAMSTER EMPLOYEES APPROVE STRIKE IF NEEDED

UPS TEAMSTER EMPLOYEES APPROVE STRIKE IF NEEDED    International Brotherhood of Teamsters members who work at United Parcel Service voted by a 93-7 margin to authorize a strike against the express giant 'should a job action become necessary to obtain a fair and decent contract.'
   The strike was conducted by secret ballot votes at membership meetings Saturday and Sunday at all 196 local unions who represent UPS teamsters.
   'It is time that we break the log jam at the negotiating table,' said Jim Hoffa, general president and chairman of the Teamsters' National Negotiating Committee. 'Our members deserve a strong contract that reflects the success of UPS over the past five years ' a contract that reflects the members' contributions to the success of this company.'
   Negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters started in February on a contract to replace the current deal, which expires July 31.
   The current deal was reached in 1997 following a 15-day Teamster strike. In 1993, a settlement wasn't reached until October, three months beyond the contract's expiration.
   The current negotiations 'must intensify because we are bargaining against a rapidly approaching contract expiration date,' said Ken Hall, co-chairman of the National Negotiating Committee.
   However, the Teamsters said negotiations had achieved 'significant progress,' including tentative agreements reached on more than half of the 32 supplemental agreements.
   Last month, the Teamsters approved a dues increase, which will average about 5 cents per hour for union members, to finance a dedicated strike fund. The fund would increase members strike benefits from $55 per week to 10 times the worker's hourly wage per week. The union said it is attempting to obtain a $100-million line of credit to fund any potential strike action.