The Facts
On Wednesday, United Postal Service (UPS) and the Teamsters Union issued conflicting reports about why negotiations for a new contract with the shipping company’s 340K workers were stopped with a deadline looming to prevent a strike that would disrupt the US economy.
Union officials accused UPS of walking away from talks after “presenting an unacceptable offer.”
The Spin
Narrative A
The union must know that UPS is in a tough spot financially as it comes out of the pandemic with stiffer competition. Teamsters leadership might have promised their membership they would be tougher in negotiations, but it’s in the best interest of both sides to come to a win-win agreement that will prevent a major disruption in the US economy.
Narrative B
This is on UPS as the multibillion-dollar company is being stingy with its offers — which don’t keep up with the cost of living, especially for part-time workers. Perhaps a strike is the only way to get the union’s message across and convince UPS to adequately pay its employees.
