The Clock Is Ticking on the Deadline for a Giant Strike at UPS
Contract negotiations between shipping giant UPS and its 340,000-strong Teamsters workforce resumed last week. If they can’t come to an agreement by August 1, the union will go on strike — which would be the largest at a private employer in decades.
UPS workers walk a practice picket line on July 7, 2023, in the Queens borough of New York City, ahead of a possible strike. (Timothy A. Clary / AFP via Getty Images)
The clock is ticking on the August 1 strike deadline of 340,000 UPS Teamsters. It would be the largest strike at a private employer in decades.
“People are actually paying attention,” said delivery driver Kioma Forero, a Local 804 shop steward in New York City. Customers along her route stop her to say, “I hope your negotiations go well.” The hosts are talking about it on Hot 97, the city’s top hip-hop station.
A deal could still avert a strike — as we went to press, the Teamsters announced that UPS had reached out to resume negotiations. The union bargaining team had dispersed to members’ home locals after talks broke down July 5, for practice picketing that has put on display just how ready to strike UPSers are.
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