UPS enters contract talks with Teamsters

The Atlanta-based parcel giant started contract negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on new collective bargaining agreements.    UPS has started contract talks with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on new collective bargaining agreements, the Atlanta-based parcel giant revealed Monday.
   The current five-year contract is set to continue through July 31, 2018.
   UPS has maintained contractual relationships with the Teamsters since the 1930s, and since the initial contract, the ranks of Teamster-represented UPS employees has increased from a few thousand to over 250,000 today.
   “UPS and the union have many shared objectives and our intent is to negotiate in an environment of mutual respect,” UPS Labor Relations President Al Gudim said. “We believe all parties recognize that taking care of our customers with reliable service is the key to maintaining a company that rewards our employees and provides excellent job security. We are in a rapidly changing industry and look forward to working together with union negotiators to strongly position UPS for the future.”
   Commenting on the contract talks, Tim Boyle, president of Teamsters Local 2727, which represents UPS aircraft mechanics said, “Hundreds of thousands of UPS employees across the country have dedicated their careers to making UPS successful and profitable. UPS aircraft mechanics and related employees stand behind our other UPS brothers and sisters, and they have our full support as they begin bargaining for a fair contract.”