IPA gives deadline to UPS
Press Release: (Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005)
UPS Pilots: set date certain request for release; claim UPS making big gamble
Thursday, November 17, 2005 (Atlanta) – The Independent Pilots Association has given UPS until December 23 to finalize the contract it began negotiating with its pilots in October 2002.
“It has become clear that UPS’s recent overture for a settlement is not genuine, but a cynical move timed to prevent any disruption during Christmas Peak. Christmas 2005 will be our fourth holiday season during this contract negotiation; that’s long enough,” said Capt. Tom Nicholson, President of the Independent Pilots Association. He went on to say, “UPS has one more shot to deliver a contract that our pilot group can ratify when we get together with the National Mediation Board the week of December 19 thru 23 in Wisconsin.”
Today’s action by the IPA could lead to a strike or lock-out at UPS.
“Only the National Mediation Board can determine if there can be a strike or lock-out at UPS. It’s out of place and very arrogant for UPS to speak for the NMB,” said Capt. Nicholson. He went on to say, “The best indicator as to the inclination of the NMB when it comes to releasing companies and unions is its recent actions. Within the last six-months, the NMB has released the Northwest mechanics, and more relevant to our situation, the pilots at Polar Air Cargo. We would hope that after 38-months of talks, the NMB will follow its charter and allow UPS and the IPA to seek self-help.”
UPS Labor is gambling with the UPS brand, its customers’ businesses and its investor’s money.
“By forcing us into this situation UPS Labor is playing a riverboat game of Texas Hold’em. The group responsible for contract negotiations at UPS has made an ‘all in’ bet that could devalue the UPS brand, scare off customers and lose money for its investors. Unfortunately this is what happens when upper management turns a blind eye on a group of cowboys like UPS Labor,” said Capt. Nicholson.