UPS strike may push Biden to make another difficult union choice.
UPS and Teamsters Showdown: Will Biden Intervene?
As the deadline for a potential massive strike between UPS and the Teamsters approaches, President Joe Biden finds himself facing a politically challenging decision on whether to intervene. The contracts for UPS workers are set to expire on July 31, and failure to reach an agreement could lead to the largest worker strike in U.S. history. This puts Biden in a difficult position as he has positioned himself as a union-friendly president.
The Stakes
The showdown between UPS and the Teamsters, representing over 340,000 workers, has been brewing for months. The union has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike if an agreement is not reached in time, although both sides are reluctant to see such a seismic event occur.
If negotiations fail and a nationwide strike ensues, Biden does have the power to step in, according to labor and employment expert Dan Bowling from Duke University School of Law. Last year, Biden faced criticism for his involvement in a labor dispute with rail workers, but ultimately prevented a strike by convening a Presidential Emergency Board. This time, he could potentially intervene under the National Labor Relations Act, which grants the president authority to act in instances deemed a national emergency.
The Dilemma
While Biden’s intervention would face opposition, allowing UPS, a company responsible for 6% of the U.S. gross domestic product, to freeze up could have severe consequences for the national economy. Business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce would likely push for Biden to act in the event of a strike. However, not intervening could leave Biden vulnerable to attacks from Republicans, who plan to emphasize the country’s inflationary woes in the upcoming elections.
Nevertheless, negotiations are unlikely to reach the point of a strike due to the significant damage it would cause to both the company and the union members involved, according to Bowling. Last week, UPS and the Teamsters negotiating team blamed each other for walking away from the table, and talks have yet to resume.
The Administration’s Stance
The Biden administration is closely monitoring the situation and hopes that an agreement will be reached before the end-of-month deadline, according to White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su also acknowledged the importance of UPS in the domestic economy and expressed support for the collective bargaining process.
As the clock ticks, all eyes are on Biden, who must carefully weigh the potential consequences of his decision. The outcome will not only impact the ongoing labor dispute but also have political implications for the president’s future.
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