UPS pilots, represented by the Independent Pilots Association (IPA), have publicly expressed their support for UPS Teamsters, a union representing more than 340,000 of the company’s delivery drivers and warehouse workers.
According to a publicly issued letter addressed to IBT. from IPA president Robert Travis, the Association “has a long history of supporting the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) efforts throughout our respective histories in negotiating contracts with UPS.” Travis’s letter continues: “Just as we did in 1997, the IPA is committed to exercising our contractual rights, both domestically and internationally, to honor any potential IBT strike and act in sympathy with our fellow workers at UPS by not working.”
“As joint allies in the pursuit of enhanced safety standards, industry leading wages and benefits, and improved quality of life for our members, let’s continue to ensure that our organizations communicate, collaborate and support each other as much as possible,” Travis added, noting that “unity generates success”.
IPA represents over 3,000 pilots at UPS, which has a total fleet of 295 aircraft, including Airbus A300F, Boeing 747-400Fs, 747-8Fs, 757Fs, 767Fs and McDonnell Douglas MD-11Fs, according to ch-aviation.com data.
Teamsters at UPS voted to strike if the company did not give the union an agreeable contract on June 16, 2023, which would give “the union maximum leverage to win demands at the bargaining table”.
“If this multibillion-dollar corporation fails to deliver on the contract that our hardworking members deserve, UPS will be striking itself,” promised General President of Teamsters Sean O’Brien at that time.