LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Earlier this week, UPS workers approved a new five-year contract, affecting thousands of workers nationwide. The agreement puts an end to negotiations that could have disrupted package delivery for millions of people. 

What You Need To Know

  • UPS Teamsters United says 86 percent of workers approved the new contract

  • The Teamsters Local 89 president says the total package for the contract is somewhere in the $30 billion range for the entire country

  • The local union in Louisville "got a fair share of that money"

  • Air conditioning inside delivery trucks was a big issue. That too is resolved with the new contract

UPS Teamsters United said 86%  of votes were to approve the new contract. They said it was passed by the highest vote for a contract in the history of the UPS Teamsters.

“I would say relieved. We’re looking forward to going forward from here. Getting this great contract implemented and start working under it,” Teamsters Local 89 President Avral Thompson said of the deal.

Earlier this summer, UPS teamsters practiced picketing here in Kentucky and nationwide. Their demands included better pay and better working conditions.

“Everybody at least got $2.75 first-year increase. Up to $9 an hour over the course of five years,” Thompson explained. “We had a lot of stuff on the table and we got most all of it. The total package for the contract is somewhere in the $30 billion range for the entire country. Local 89 here in Louisville got a fair share of that money. Also, working conditions are better. A lot more language to do with harassment on the job.”

Air conditioning inside delivery trucks was a big issue. That too is resolved.

“The A/C, as they purchase new trucks, they’re going to start being equipped with air conditioning,” according to Thompson. “They rotate their trucks out. So many each year go out, so many are replaced. So, that’ll start happening probably next year.”

Thompson had a message for every Teamsters union member: “I’d like to say congratulations and thank you for supporting us and for believing in our vision because our vision is theirs.”

UPS released this statement: "The new five-year contract is fully ratified and goes into effect immediately. Voting results for Local 705, which is independent of the National Master Agreement, are expected soon."

Correction: The previous version of this article misinterpreted a quote by UPS. This has been corrected. (Aug. 26, 2023)

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