UPS starting negotiations on massive Teamsters contracts

UPS driver Andrew Hancock checks the load before leaving on the day’s deliveries at the UPS depot in 2015 in Jackson, Pa. (Bob Donaldson/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS)

UPS driver Andrew Hancock checks the load before leaving on the day’s deliveries at the UPS depot in 2015 in Jackson, Pa. (Bob Donaldson/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS)

UPS says it has started contract talks with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on new collective bargaining agreements covering 250,000 workers.

The current five-year Teamsters contract covering drivers, package sorters and loaders, operations and dock workers runs through July 31, 2018.

UPS said it has had contracts with the Teamsters since the 1930s, growing from a few thousand Teamsters-represented employees to more than 250,000 now.

“We are in a rapidly changing industry and look forward to working together with union negotiators to strongly position UPS for the future,” said UPS labor relations president Al Gudim in a written statement.

Separately, the Teamsters have been attempting to ratchet up pressure in talks with UPS on contracts covering aircraft mechanics at the company. They have raised concerns about increased healthcare costs.

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