On Sunday, UPS workers from across the United States overwhelmingly voted to approve a new five-year labor agreement, ending a strike threat that was set to begin this week.
The new labor agreement, which was negotiated between UPS and the Teamsters union, will raise wages and benefits for around 250,000 of UPS’s employees. The new contract is expected to cover the next five years of labor agreements.
The agreement was ratified by more than 92% of UPS members who voted, the Teamsters said in a post on its website.
In addition to the new wages and benefits, the contract will expand job security and improve safety measures for workers, as well as establish new ways to ensure the company is held accountable.
“This agreement is a victory for UPS members that delivers real gains and a contract that honors the hard work of UPSers,” said Denis Taylor, the Director of Teamsters Package Division.
The new agreement was reached amid a wave of labor actions and strikes involving union workers across the country. UPS had threatened to lock out its workforce if the union had gone on strike.
The ratification of the new contract marks an end to the weekslong labor dispute, and workers are thrilled with the new agreement.
“UPS employees have spoken, and the clear message is that they deserve respect and a fair wages and benefits package,” said Taylor. “This agreement shows the power of workers who come together for a common cause.”
