“Time is on our side, not yours,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien to UPS negotiators across the table on Monday. “Money talks and bullshit walks. You know where the Teamsters are coming from and where we need to be. You have to get off your ass, light these people up on your side, and make sure they understand this company is on the verge of doing great damage to our supply chain.”
The Teamsters National Negotiating Committee and UPS met several times over the course of the day to discuss outstanding economic issues, like higher wages for full- and part-time Teamsters and pension increases.
After waiting several hours for possible exchange with UPS, but receiving nothing in return, O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman asked the union committee to get some rest and prepare for Tuesday. Teamsters leadership told UPS to prioritize its remaining economic positions and make the most of its dwindling time at the national table.
UPS is on full notice from the Teamsters that the company has until 8 a.m. on July 5 to reach final agreement on a new tentative contract.
“The Teamsters are always ready to work, and we come prepared to every bargaining session. UPS, on the other hand, seems to require some special treatment,” Zuckerman said. “We’re not just going to sit around and wait for their side to make up their minds. Our members don’t deserve that. UPS needs to find some more hustle in these final hours if they have any hope.”
“See if you can catch some fireworks in Washington tonight,” O’Brien told committee members before abruptly ending the day. “You’re certainly going to see some tomorrow.”