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UPS pilot union vote to strike

THE union representing UPS pilots have voted overwhelmingly to strike as contract negotiations with the management have dragged on for more than four years.

More than 99 per cent of the 2,500 UPS pilots who cast their votes gave the thumbs up for the strike, authorising the Independent Pilots Association's (IPA) executive board to formally request a release from federally mediated negotiations with UPS, and the discretion to conduct a strike once mediation is concluded, according to media reports.

IPA president Robert Travis commented: "UPS promises its customers on-time delivery, but after four years of labour negotiations, the company has failed to deliver a contract for its own pilots. In a clear voice, UPS pilots have said they are willing to strike if necessary to finish the job."

If the 2,500 UPS pilots go on strike, they will have the support of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBOT) - which represents about 250,000 UPS workers. In a letter to the pilots, the president of the IBOT James Hoffa wrote: "If a strike is necessary, we will not cross your lines, but will stand with you on them."

Welcoming the Teamster union's support, Mr Travis added: "The employees of UPS make our company strong and productive. Management is playing a risky game using 'stall and delay' tactics against its own people. Meanwhile, FedEx is delivering on-time."

Rival company FedEx ratified a six-year contract with its pilots last week. "Given that the pilots are the only major employee group at FedEx covered by a collective bargaining agreement, this deal brings labour peace to our main competitor," said Mr Travis.

UPS and IPA are scheduled to return to the bargaining table in early November with the federal mediator retaining the right to cancel scheduled sessions.