The UPS Workers Strike of 1997

About

The 1997 UPS Workers Strike was a pivotal event in American labor history, involving over 185,000 members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The strike began on August 4, 1997, and lasted for 15 days, effectively shutting down UPS operations and resulting in significant financial losses for the company. Led by Teamsters President Ron Carey, the strike aimed to address key issues such as the creation of full-time jobs, job security, and better wages for part-time workers, who were earning $8 per hour compared to $19.95 for full-time drivers. The strike was successful in achieving its goals, securing a new contract that increased wages, maintained union control over pension funds, and created 10,000 full-time positions from part-time ones over five years. The victory marked a significant turn in labor relations, demonstrating the power of collective action against corporate interests. The strike also sparked broader labor activism and highlighted the potential for unions to secure meaningful concessions from large corporations. Despite challenges and compromises, the strike remains a landmark example of effective labor organizing and its impact on worker benefits.