In a major breakthrough in contract talks, Teamsters and UPS negotiators have agreed to add air-conditioning units to some of the company’s older delivery vehicles that have only fans.
The announcement of a tentative deal on air conditioning marks a serious achievement for the union, which feels its workers need air conditioning to safely do their jobs in the summer months.
As part of the deal, UPS has agreed to add air-conditioning units to all its vehicles it will buy after Jan. 1, 2024. As for vehicles currently in the company’s fleet, the outlook is less optimistic. Of the thousands of vans on the road, most will receive only a few fans or air-induction vents to alleviate the heat.
According to the union, the air-conditioner issue is related more to safety than comfort. Temperatures can reach triple digits in the cargo compartments of UPS vans, and the Teamsters say UPS has received dozens of health citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for heat-related health hazards.
The tentative deal on air conditioners comes amid a strike authorization vote for Teamster drivers. If approved, the strike likely would begin Aug. 1 and keep over 300,000 drivers off the road. The drivers’ five-year contract ends July 31.
A strike might now be avoided. However, the air-conditioner issue is not the only thing the Teamsters are interested in. Drivers are pushing for increased pay to keep up with inflation and to close the gap in salary between different positions. The COVID-19 pandemic boosted revenue dramatically for UPS as more customers looked to order things online. Workers want to share in the profit.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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