UPS back to the table

[Check Essential]

Mediator calls UPS, pilots to D.C. for talks
Tue Sep 6, 2005 01:56 PM ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 6 (Reuters) - A federal mediator on Tuesday called for the resumption of contract talks between United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and its pilots union, ending an indefinite recess.

Mediation between the world's largest package delivery company and its 2,500 pilots was put on an indefinite hold in June after the two sides failed to resolve their nearly 3-year-old contract dispute.

New talks were scheduled for Sept. 15 and 16 in Washington, D.C., the company and union said on Tuesday.

Contract talks have been overseen by the National Mediation Board, an independent government agency. Federal law prohibits the union from striking as long as mediation continues.

Last week, the union said its pilots had granted it authorization to call a strike. At the same time, the union, which is seeking improvements to health care, pension and job protection, said it was prepared to formally request to be released from mediation.

UPS, the world's largest package delivery company, has called for mediation to continue, saying it has yet to make its best or final offer. The company says its pilots are among the best paid in the industry.

 

[E170Guppykiller]

What kind of pay raises you guys think you will get?

 

[Almerick07]

I heard UPS makes $1 mil profit everytime a heavy takes-off........seems like they should be able to make their flight crews happy.

 

[NookyBooky]

I heard UPS makes $1 mil profit everytime a heavy takes-off........seems like they should be able to make their flight crews happy.

Why would they worry about that when there is a million shmucks on the street that would do it for one fifth the salary?

 

[MDAutry]

Because it is the right thing to do to pay your employees their right wage. This isn't NAFTA is it?

 

[MDAutry]

Also, on another point... It is much worse to have a disgruntled employee stay with your company than leave it. They can do more damage that way. So it is a good idea to keep the pilots happy.

 

[NookyBooky]

Because it is the right thing to do to pay your employees their right wage. This isn't NAFTA is it?

I agree 100%. However with __ thousand regional jet pilots out there, how hard do you think it would be to find a replacement for everyone at, say, 80k/yr?

Commercial aviation has been in a downward spiral since before I was born, and as long as pilots are willing to work for less and less, the pay will continue to be less and less.

 

[PaulThomas]

I agree 100%. However with __ thousand regional jet pilots out there, how hard do you think it would be to find a replacement for everyone at, say, 80k/yr?

Commercial aviation has been in a downward spiral since before I was born, and as long as pilots are willing to work for less and less, the pay will continue to be less and less.

That will last what 6 month, then they'll want more money because they believe they can get it.

As long as pilots ask and are willing to fight for it, UPS will have to do something to please them or fire them and replace them (which cost a lot of money.

 

[MDAutry]

You have a good point about the investment UPS has made in training their pilots. I just know it would take a lot of balls to be willing to strike knowing you would get fired. I have no idea what that would feel like though...

 

[Almerick07]

I guess it shouldnt be mentioned UPS is still one of the highest paying airlines.....Atleast UPS pilots can feel secure with their jobs, after all it is kind of hard to out source cargo routes to loose less money when youve been in the black since day uno.