UPS Workers in Puerto Rico Consider Strike
Published: Jun 18, 2023 01:51 PM
If Strike Materializes, Package Deliveries Could Be Slower
If the measure materializes and extends for several days, it could lead to slower package deliveries for customers.
Potential Impact on Package Deliveries in Puerto Rico
A slowness in the delivery of packages for customers could be reported in Puerto Rico if a strike of about 340,000 workers of the private mail company UPS materializes.
There is already the experience of the strike that took place at the same company at the end of the last century (it lasted for 15 days in 1997), which affected shipments and drastically increased the work of the United States Postal Service.
That strike, however, was by 185,000 workers at the company, which now has 340,000, potentially producing a greater impact on the service. Although unlike 25 years ago, people now have more shipping alternatives.
UPS workers are evaluating a new work stoppage – the strike vote is already in place – in demand for better wages, hours, and working conditions.
If the dialogue between the union and the company fails (the Teamsters union’s collective agreement with UPS expires on August 1), it would become the largest strike in US history by workers from a single company.
The work stoppage could occur in the middle of vacations and on the eve of a new school year, which could affect the supply chain. UPS moved, on average, 18.7 million packages a day within the United States and only between January and March of this year, reported CNN.
The Pitney Bowes firm, an international shipping and logistics company, told the US news network that UPS delivers about a quarter of all packages in the United States and that there is not enough capacity in the market to replace this private mail company. In fact, many of the packages delivered by the United States Postal Service are transported by UPS.
In Puerto Rico, UPS employees already know that the collective bargaining agreement ends at midnight on July 31 and they are aware of the negotiations of the Teamsters leadership at the United States level.
The island’s workers have already been warned through circulars that they must be prepared “for all eventualities.”
Regarding the strike vote already approved on June 10 and which would take effect in July, the general president of the Teamsters, Sean O’Brien, sent a communication to local 901 in Puerto Rico in which he considered that “it is positive because it can help prevent a strike and sends a clear message to the company that we are united.”
Rike resulted in delays and disruptions to the delivery of packages, and it is feared that a similar strike now could have a similar impact on package deliveries in Puerto Rico.
Concerns Over Worker Benefits
The workers of UPS in Puerto Rico are considering the strike due to concerns over their benefits and work conditions.
The union representing the workers is in negotiations with the company, but if an agreement cannot be reached, a strike could be called.
UPS Statement
UPS has released a statement acknowledging the concerns of the workers and stating their commitment to reaching a fair agreement through negotiations.
The company also reassures customers that they are prepared to continue operations and minimize any potential impact on package deliveries in the event of a strike.
The workers of UPS in Puerto Rico are considering going on strike due to concerns over their benefits and work conditions. If the strike materializes, it could result in slower package deliveries for customers. This is not the first time that UPS has faced a strike; a similar event in 1997 caused delays and disruptions to package deliveries. The workers’ union is currently in negotiations with the company, but if no agreement is reached, a strike may be called. UPS has released a statement acknowledging the concerns of the workers and expressing their commitment to reaching a fair agreement. The company reassures customers that they are prepared to continue operations and minimize any impact on package deliveries in the event of a strike.
If a strike does happen, how does UPS plan to minimize the impact on package deliveries for customers
UPS has a contingency plan in place to minimize the impact of a strike on package deliveries for customers. Here are some measures they may take:
1. Utilizing alternative modes of transportation: UPS might rely on other transportation options such as rail, air, or ground-based carriers to move packages to their destinations.
2. Expanding capacity: They may increase their capacity in non-striking areas by leveraging their network of facilities and resources to ensure timely package delivery.
3. Rerouting packages: UPS could reroute packages to unaffected facilities and use different routes to avoid the impact of strikes in specific regions.
4. Adjusting delivery schedules: They may adjust their delivery schedules to prioritize critical shipments and urgent packages, making sure important deliveries are not delayed.
5. Implementing temporary operating facilities: UPS might set up temporary operating facilities in areas affected by the strike, allowing them to continue processing and delivering packages.
6. Hiring temporary workers: They may hire temporary workers to supplement their existing workforce and ensure package deliveries continue smoothly during the strike.
It’s important to note that the specifics of UPS’s plan may vary depending on the nature and extent of the strike, as well as local regulations and agreements with unions.
1 comment
The potential UPS strike in Puerto Rico is concerning, as it could have a significant impact on package deliveries. It’s crucial for both parties to find common ground to avoid disruptions and ensure uninterrupted service for the people and businesses that rely on these deliveries.