The Teamsters union said Wednesday that it has demanded that UPS Inc. present its last, best and final contractual offer no later than Friday.
The ratcheting up of hostilities comes one day after the Teamsters gave UPS (NYSE: UPS) one week to submit an economic proposal that was superior to the one the Teamsters called “appalling.” The company’s initial proposal offered small pay raises and cuts to traditional cost-of-living adjustments, the union said.
A last, best and final offer (LBFO) is a formal offer that one side — usually the employer — submits to the other for an agreement. It is supposed to include all compromises that the offering party is willing to make, but that is not always the case. The LBFO is often submitted to union members for their vote to reject it or accept it.
The Teamsters met with UPS negotiators late into Tuesday night over Article 34 of the union’s National Master Agreement, governing health and welfare and pension benefits for members. Despite early progress, UPS attempted to “move the goalposts at the 11th hour and withhold any additional benefits from the Teamsters, seeking concessionary language instead,” the union said. The Teamsters did not provide any details.
When the Teamsters walked away from the table, UPS agreed to resume negotiations Wednesday. When corporate executives showed up, they only resubmitted the same proposal for worker concessions under Article 34, the union said.
“The largest single-employer strike in American history now appears inevitable,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Executives at UPS, some of whom get tens of millions of dollars a year, do not care about the hundreds of thousands of American workers who make this company run. They don’t care about our members’ families. UPS doesn’t want to pay up. Their actions and insults at the bargaining table have proven they are just another corporation that wants to keep all the money at the top. Working people who bust their asses every single day do not matter, not to UPS.”
“Last week, we provided our initial economic proposal. This week we followed with a significantly amended proposal to address key demands from the Teamsters,” UPS said in a statement. Reaching consensus requires time and serious, detailed discussion, but it also requires give-and-take from both sides. “
The current contract expires July 31, and union leaders have warned that they will strike Aug. 1 without a contract. Teamsters nationwide authorized a strike this month by 97% should UPS fail to come to terms on a new contract. The strike authorization vote was expected.
“We have an economy today that is reliant on parcel delivery and no one in the game handles more packages per day or provides better service than Teamsters at UPS. Our members are fighting for a post-pandemic agreement that honors the sacrifices they made to keep this country moving during the last several years,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. “Time has run out for UPS to give workers that honorable contract. “
Hekuran Kabashi
The pay and benefits are important ; the management on the floor are disrespectful and condescending. We are looking for better working conditions, higher pay , and for the company to train and re-train their management team(s) on what the contract entails , and to operate with integrity. Most management personal have deviated from basics principles of ethics. We have to work together!
Barbara
Well good for you it time to strike
Mark C
UPS workers are paid far more than anyone else in the industry. The union leadership is being ridiculous. If the union decides to strike I hope UPS leadership breaks up the union this time. Then say good bye to teamsters once in for all.
Lloydb
All I read is about the gobs of money that was made during Covid. That windfall is over. I don’t know much of what is in this contract regarding pay raises, but i don’t think it’s the right climate to be playing hardball. As far as workers claiming management isn’t responsible for the company’s success??? Come on
Big Brown
James Ross, you’re just not looking at it the right way. UPS gives a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. It should be the norm, not the exception. I would say workers that are not paid and treated as well are getting stiffed. Now, what’s the difference 🤔? Could it be that they’re union and represented by the Teamsters? Yeah, maybe that’s it. Don’t be jealous, apply for a job there.
This guy
Funny how union leaders call out corporate leaders for padding pockets, only to do the exact same thing “in the name of the workers”….. if both tops make the sacrifice, I bet they would get deals done a lot quicker but of course “deals are done in the last minutes” only to make the story more intense and keep the story line on the front page. And don’t get me started on the media creating smoke without the fire……get out of here!!
John Ammaturo
Have you worked at UPS ? I did for 36 years come talk to me when you worked hard in my shoes! ( all in a pkg car)
Ka
Lol lou Franken calm down. They are in a competitive market. Monopolies are what get broken up. Ups isn’t anything close to a monopoly.
What I’d love for somebody to explain is say they teamsters leaders reject the last offer… Then what? We all work Until August 1st while Making mean faces at each other?