Teamster deal may avert UPS layoffs

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090619/BUSINESS/906190366/1003

Mechanics to offercost-cutting steps

By Patrick Howington • phowington@courier-journal.com • June 19, 2009

UPS and its aircraft mechanics have reached an agreement that could avert some or all of 86 layoffs scheduled for July.

In a process similar to one UPS pilots used recently, mechanics will have until July 10 to volunteer to cut costs through early retirement, job sharing, reduced hours or other measures.

The resulting savings to the company will reduce the number of layoffs, said Bob Combine, president of Teamsters Local 2727, which represents about 1,100 mechanics and 200 other aircraft maintenance workers.

"We are hopeful that this agreement will help keep our members working until the economy picks up and UPS' volume returns," Combine said.

With package volumes down because of the recession, UPS has announced two rounds of mechanic layoffs this year. About 60 were let go throughout the United States in March. The round of about 86 was announced in May.

If mechanics volunteer for more savings than are needed to avert all 86 layoffs, Combine said, some of the 60 people laid off in March might be recalled.

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