UPS launches labor talks with Teamsters on massive contracts

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 Hiring 95,000 Workers Nationwide

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.

MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

AJC Business reporter Kelly Yamanouchi keeps you updated on the latest news about Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Air Lines and the airline industry in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

Never miss a minute of what's happening in local business news. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Author

Opinion: Why do we name our cars?

Have you named your car? Many of us do. Perhaps more than half of all Americans have named at least one of their rides, one survey found.

‘Big, beautiful bill’ passage dims outlook for Georgia’s clean energy sectors

Georgia has been one of the top states for solar and electric vehicle manufacturing investment. Some warn that's at risk after passage of the "one big, beautiful bill."