Subcommittees to the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee, including Safety and Health and Premium Services, got back to the table in full force on Monday June 5, 2023 as national negotiations with United Parcel Service resumed in Alexandria, VA.

The teams, working across the table from UPS negotiators, adjusted and improved contract language to help reach a tentative agreement on nearly 10 articles before the end of the day. Simultaneously, the Teamsters’ national committee announced that strike authorization votes among UPS members will start being conducted by local unions in-person and nationwide this week.

“It was a big day for UPS negotiations. Our subcommittees are putting in the work to make our contract stronger. We are a united front, wholly focused on the membership,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “As that unity strengthens at the table, we need to make sure it’s growing out in the field, too. The next two weeks are going to be critical to come together in person, authorize the committee to call a strike, if need be, and make sure UPS doesn’t lose sight of the formidable force it’s up against.”

The national committee urges 350,000 UPS Teamsters to vote YES for strike authorization. Doing so will not commence a strike immediately. But it will give the Teamsters even more leverage at the bargaining table. The committee will not call a strike unless UPS fails to negotiate the strongest agreement possible by July 31.

“Sean and I have said it many times and the fact remains-if Teamsters are on the picket line August 1, it’s because UPS chose to strike itself,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. “Let’s all make sure UPS sees that reality in black and white. Let’s deliver UPS a unanimous authorization from the Teamsters to strike if we have to.”

UPS Teamsters will reconvene with management at the bargaining table on Tuesday morning. Both sides are expected to cover a handful of articles and provisions that have now reached a tentative agreement. Among them is Article 20, ensuring UPS supervisors are identified and remain identifiable inside facilities; Article 43, providing sleeper team drivers with reimbursement for out-of-pocket lodging costs, as well as adequate repair and maintenance of their vehicles; and guidelines protecting Premium Services, including clarified language that ensures UPS drivers are made whole for time spent waiting around for late loads or other unexpected work delays.