![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/risk-of-major-disruption-as-ups-strike-looms-in-us/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/130298807_gettyimages-1505865522.jpg&description=Image source, Getty Images Talks between delivery giant UPS and its workers in the US have broken down, raising the possibility of the first strike from staffers at the firm in more than 25 years. The two sides have been negotiating for months over demands such as higher pay and better work conditions. Workers say they are due a better contract, especially after the surge in work during the pandemic. A walkout at UPS could lead to significant disruption to the economy. The company delivers more than 20 million packages a day in more than 220 countries around the world. In 2020,it estimated that the value of the goods it handled were worth about 6% of the US economy, including time-sensitive shipments for health care firms and others. "This multibillion-dollar corporation has plenty to give American workers — they just don't want to," said union leader Sean O'Brien , president of the Teamsters, which represents about 340,000 full and part-time workers at UPS in the US. "UPS had a choice to make, and they have clearly chosen to go down the wrong road." UPS said it was proud of its offer, which it said built on its "industry leading pay". With nearly a month left to negotiate, it said the union had "a responsibility to remain at the table". "Refusing to negotiate, especially when the finish line is in sight, creates significant unease among employees and customers and threatens to disrupt the US economy," the statement said . UPS has the biggest unionised workforce of any company in the US. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The last time UPS faced a strike was in 1997 The two sides had appeared to be making progress as recently as last week, reaching agreements on a range of issues including installing air conditioning in trucks and eliminating a two-tier pay system for part-timers. But pay rises remain a sticking point. Teamsters said talks concluded at 4am in the US on 5 July without an agreement and no further negotiations were scheduled. UPS workers voted o){kind=link}
Talks between delivery giant UPS and its workers in the US have broken down, raising the possibility of the first strike at the company in more than 25 years.
The two sides have been negotiating for months over demands such as higher pay and better work conditions.
Workers say they are due a better contract, after the surge in shipping during the pandemic.
A walkout at UPS could lead to significant disruption to the economy.
The company delivers more than 20 million packages a day in more than 220 countries around the world.