Is UPS Express going on Strike in USA on August 1, 2023?

Contract negotiations between United Parcel Service (UPS) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) have reached a standstill, raising concerns about a potential strike that could disrupt deliveries and impact the supply chain.

The IBT represents about 340,000 UPS delivery drivers and warehouse workers. If they walk out, the strike could be among the largest in U.S. history, upending logistics networks that enable tens of millions of packages to get to your doorstep and other destinations every day.

UPS is one of the largest U.S. shipping companies, shipping 5.2 billion parcels last year and handling about a quarter of all packages delivered daily. So a strike could have major implications for the economy.

The union is pressing for higher pay, more full-time jobs, heat protection and an end to a dual-wage system for delivery drivers and forced overtime, among other priorities. UPS has said it is “prepared to make a fair and competitive offer” to the union, but the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.

If a strike does happen, it could lead to delayed deliveries and higher costs for shippers seeking alternatives. The impact may be similar to supply chain disruptions seen during the pandemic.

FedEx Corp. and the U.S. Postal Service have said they are prepared to handle any additional volume if there is a strike at UPS. Amazon has also been building its own logistics network, which could help to mitigate the impact of a strike.

The last time UPS Teamsters went on strike was in 1997. The 15-day strike crippled UPS and created “myriad inconveniences, large and small, for companies and consumers across the nation,” according to the New York Times.

It is unclear when or if a strike will happen. The two sides are scheduled to meet again on July 25. But with the contract expiration date looming on July 31, the clock is ticking.

What you can do

If you are concerned about the potential impact of a UPS strike, there are a few things you can do:

• Start shopping early. If you know you have a package coming from UPS, start shopping early so that you can receive it before the strike deadline.
• Consider using a different shipping carrier. If you are able to, you may want to consider using a different shipping carrier, such as FedEx or the U.S. Postal Service.
• Be prepared for delays. If there is a strike, be prepared for delays in your deliveries. You may want to have a backup plan in place, such as picking up your packages in person.