**UPS Prepares Nonunion Employees for Potential Strike**
In response to failed contract talks between UPS and the union representing its workers, UPS has announced plans to train nonunion employees in the U.S. to handle operations in the event of a strike. The union, which represents 340,000 UPS workers, has threatened to strike if an agreement is not reached by the end of the month. UPS emphasized that this training is a temporary measure and will not impact current operations.
**Stalemate in Contract Talks**
Last week, both UPS and the union blamed each other for walking away from negotiations. With a deadline of July 31 approaching rapidly, the talks seem to be at a standstill. The Teamster-represented UPS workers had already voted for a strike authorization last month, and union chief Sean O’Brien had previously stated that a strike was imminent. In a show of solidarity, O’Brien joined union workers in a picketing dry-run in Brooklyn, New York.
**UPS Faces Criticism from Teamsters**
The Teamsters expressed disappointment in UPS’s decision to prioritize training strikebreakers over reaching a satisfactory agreement with its workforce. They accused UPS of undervaluing its employees, who are responsible for delivering the industry-leading service that the company boasts about. The union urged UPS to return to the negotiating table with a substantial economic offer.
**Potential Impact of a Strike**
The Teamsters represent over half of UPS’s workforce, making this negotiation the largest private-sector contract in North America. If a strike were to occur, it would be the first since a 15-day walkout by 185,000 workers crippled the company 25 years ago. UPS has significantly expanded since then and has become a vital component of the U.S. economy, with consumers relying heavily on its swift delivery services for essential home items. The strike could leave small businesses searching for alternative shipping options and result in substantial disruptions, considering UPS’s massive scale of operations.
**Preparing for a Strike**
In anticipation of a potential strike, businesses have already started seeking alternate services for delivery. However, given the volume at which UPS operates, a strike would likely cause significant disruption. Currently, UPS delivers around 25 million packages per day, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to logistics firm Pitney Bowes. This volume is around 10 million parcels more than the pre-COVID-19 daily average.
**Conclusion**
As contract talks between UPS and the Teamsters reach a stalemate, UPS is taking proactive measures to prepare for a potential strike by training nonunion workers. The union has expressed disappointment in UPS’s priorities and called for a return to the negotiating table. The impact of a strike would be substantial, affecting the operations of a company that plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy. Businesses are already seeking alternatives for delivery services, but the disruption caused by a strike would be significant given the scale at which UPS operates.
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