UPS Pilot’s Union Calls for Strike Vote

The union representing pilots at UPS is frustrated by lack of progress on a new contract, and today they called for a strike vote among members. If approved, the five-pilot Executive Board of the Independent Pilots Association would have the authority to request a release from federally mediated negotiations with UPS, the first step in a process that could lead to a strike.

IPA President, Captain Robert Travis characterized a strike as “the least desirable outcome of labor negotiations,” but he went on to say “after four years of contract talks with UPS we’ve reached a point where UPS needs to hear loud and clear from our membership that they are willing to do whatever it takes to secure an industry leading contract.” Travis claims UPS management has “created a bitter standoff with its pilot employees.”

The situation between UPS and the IPA became further strained in recent weeks after rival FedEx reached a tentative deal late last month with its pilot union. Pilots at FedEx Express are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Results of the UPS strike vote will be announced October 23; ratification voting on the FedEx pilot contract will end October 20. If ratified, the FedEx contract would extend through 2021.