Teamsters says UPS has walked away from contract negotiations

(Reuters) -The union representing roughly 340,000 U.S. drivers, package handlers and loaders at United Parcel Service (NYSE:) said on Wednesday the parcel delivery firm had “walked away from the bargaining table”.

Teamsters said in a tweet UPS presented an offer, which was unanimously rejected by the union’s national negotiating committee. The union added no additional negotiations were scheduled.

“Following marathon negotiations, UPS refused to give the Teamsters a last, best, and final offer, telling the union the company had nothing more to give,” Teamsters said.

UPS did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Labor unions, who are gaining in popularity in the U.S., are enjoying a higher bargaining power with companies, which have been grappling with labor shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contract covering UPS full and part-time employees in the U.S. that deliver packages, load trucks and handle packages expires at midnight on July 31. UPS workers have already authorized a strike, should talks break down.