June 2, 2010 - The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), Airline Division lasts week sent a request to the National Mediation Board that it release the aircraft mechanics of United Parcel Service from contract negotiations after more than four years of bargaining without reaching an agreement. The National Mediation Board (NBB) has denied that request and sent a notice to UPS and the union on Tuesday.

“UPS is pleased that the NMB has denied the Teamsters' request for a release from mediation because we believe the company and union can reach an agreement through on-going negotiations.”

The NMB’s notice states simply that the record of the negotiations to date demonstrates a release is not in order at this time. The decision means that UPS and Local 2727 remain in recess, subject to the mediator's call back to the negotiating table.

Under the terms of the Railway Labor Act, the IBT had requested that the National Mediation Board release UPS and its aircraft mechanics from mediation and make a proffer of binding arbitration. Either party may reject that offer of arbitration, which would then trigger a 30-day “cooling off” period countdown to a potential strike. Local 2727 is pleased to have the support of the UPS Pilots.

Concerning the potential for a strike at UPS, Combine stated, “UPS' aircraft mechanics voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike if the company refused to make a reasonable contract offer.  We do not wish to go out on strike.  But UPS will leave us no choice if it insists on its unreasonable position.” 

“The IBT and its 1.4 million members, including over 200,000 Teamsters at UPS, stand strongly behind the Teamster UPS aircraft mechanics in their effort for a fair agreement,” stated Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “More than four years of unsuccessful bargaining is far too long.  That's why we were compelled to ask the National Mediation Board to move this dispute to the final stage in an effort to push the Company to a reasonable deal.”

Bourne has said last week that “this is one of the tools available for Local 2727 to expedite the process and hopefully get the contract they deserve,” Thrush said. “IPA fully supports Local 2727’s endeavors to get the best contract in the industry. Combine concluded, “We hope this action will persuade UPS to finally make the good faith effort to resolve our long dispute.”