United Parcel Service (UPS) workers have overwhelmingly voted to approve a new labor contract, ending the threat of a prolonged strike.
The Teamsters union, which represents about 250,000 UPS workers, announced yesterday that the vote was 77.9 percent in favor of the contract and 22.1 percent against. The current contract, which was due to expire in August, will now be extended through 2023.
The new contract includes a pay raise, an increase in pension funding, and other concessions. However, the deal does not address the issue of subcontracting, which was a major sticking point for workers threatening a strike.
UPS CEO David Abney said he was “pleased” with the outcome of the vote and thanked the union and its members for their cooperation in reaching an agreement. He also said that the ratified agreement was “fair and balanced” and that it will “continuously set the bar for quality jobs and benefits in the industry.”
The agreement will also bring some welcomed respite for customers, who feared disruptions in service if workers had gone on strike. The new deal will ensure that UPS remains fully operational and able to meet customers’ needs.
The labor agreement between UPS and the Teamsters is an important milestone in the company’s long-standing relationship with its employees. By coming to an agreement on a mutually beneficial contract, both the union and UPS have demonstrated their commitment to creating excellent jobs and ensuring a secure future for their workers.
