September 11, 2009: As we go to press, Teamsters Local 2727 is scheduling a strike vote of 1,400 UPS plane mechanics. The company wants Teamster mechanics and retirees to start contributing to their health insurance premiums. Management also wants to reduce coverage.

Industry analysts have told the press that our union has real leverage because a strike could affect UPS at its busiest time of the year.

Management is dismissive of the strike vote. UPS spokesman Mike Mangeot said: “It’s contract posturing and it has absolutely no legal significance whatsoever.”

Because they are covered by the Railway Labor Act, the mechanics can only strike if the National Mediation Board says UPS and the Teamsters are at impasse.