Teamsters President Sean O’Brien informed union members that they have asked the White House not to intervene in the event of a UPS worker strike. O’Brien believes that the administration should only be concerned with corporate greed.
“We have made it very clear to the White House,” O’Brien stated during a UPS Teamsters members update webinar on Sunday when asked about the likelihood of the White House forcing a contract.
“We have told the White House – and I have used this analogy throughout our negotiations, rallies, and practice pickets – that we have firmly told the White House that, if two people in my neighborhood where I grew up in Boston had a disagreement and you had nothing to do with it, you just kept walking. And we have expressed this sentiment to the White House on multiple occasions, reiterating that we don’t need anyone interfering in this battle,” he explained.
Last fall, the White House intervened to prevent a nationwide railroad strike. Following 20 hours of negotiations, a deal was reached to avoid a strike that could have severely impacted the U.S. supply chain.
“The White House should not be concerned with the Teamsters, but rather with corporate America, which continues to make billions upon billions of dollars off the hard work of our members,” O’Brien emphasized. “We will not allow anyone to impose a contract.”
Contract negotiations between UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters collapsed earlier this month, raising the possibility of a strike by the estimated 340,000 workers.
Last month, the union voted 97 percent in favor of authorizing a strike if they fail to reach an agreement with UPS by July 31, when their contracts expire.
The UPS Teamsters, representing over half of the UPS workforce, are fighting for improved benefits and working conditions.
“We do not need side hustles, what we need are better wages,” O’Brien stated on Sunday. “Since July 5, we have sent UPS a clear message.”
O’Brien mentioned that they have been preparing for a potential strike and ensuring that Teamster members understand the implications.
“UPS is scared, and we are backing them into a corner,” he added. “We will emerge victorious in this battle. We will compel UPS to return to the negotiating table, but we must remain united.”