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'We do not intend to strike unless UPS requires us to strike': UPS Teamsters union holds practice picket

The union and the shipping company are in contract negotiations and have been since April 17.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — UPS Teamsters made noise in a practice picket line on Wednesday, chanting, "stand up, fight back."

The union and the shipping company are in contract negotiations and have been since April 17.

The union also held up signs saying the picket line is "just practice" for a "just contract."

The UPS Teamsters have already voted to authorize a strike if they do not reach a fair contract by July 31.

The union represents roughly 340,000 UPS workers, and dozens were out practicing a picket line.

"We have so many people who have never been through a strike before. We want them to understand the rules of the picket line so nobody gets in trouble if it were to happen," Avral Thompson, principal officer of Teamsters Local 89, said. "We do not intend to strike unless UPS requires us to strike."

The National Teamsters Union announced on social media they demand a fair and final offer from UPS no later than June 30.

A UPS spokesperson said they are making progress on their negotiations with the union "on a wide array of issues."

"Even so, we are not surprised to see some union members making their voices heard. We plan and expect to reach agreement on a new contract before the end of July that is a win for our employees, our company and customers and the union."

If they do not reach an agreement, the union could start striking anytime after July 31.

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