UPS, Pilots' Union Say Mediation Talks Take Recess

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PS Inc. and the union representing its pilots said Thursday the National Mediation Board ordered a recess in the two parties' labor negotiations.

UPS said the order won’t disrupt flights, as there can be no strike or work stoppage while the parties are in recess.

“A recess is often a normal part of the mediation process,” the company said in a statement.

UPS and the Independent Pilots Association, representing about 2,500 UPS pilots, have been in talks since October 2002, and a federal mediator has overseen negotiations for the past nine months.

IPA said it and UPS have completed none of five major issues at stake, including scheduling, compensation and benefits.

The union will give UPS “until the end of the month to pull together its last, best and final contract offer,” IPA President Tom Nicholson said in a statement.

The IPA May 12 authorized a strike against UPS if a new contract is not signed. (Click here for previous coverage.)

UPS is ranked No. 1 on the Transport Topics 100 listing of North American for-hire carriers.