UPS clashes with pilots' union over outsourcing

The Independent Pilots Association (IPA) has accused UPS of violating its pilots' labour contract by outsourcing to third-party cargo airlines to make up for a capacity shortage.

The complaint concerns the use of these airlines for more than 45 days following an urgent need during the 2017 holiday season, when UPS faced record e-commerce demands. In the union’s eyes, UPS should be purchasing its own aircraft for its own pilots.

"On a daily basis, our pilots operate a system chronically short on aircraft and strained to the breaking point," said union spokesperson Brian Gaudet.

Credit: UPS

UPS stated that the third-party contractors are needed for "bridging the gap" as it prepares to invest in a major fleet expansion. In February, the courier company pledged to spend $7 billion on an expansion scheme that would include new warehouses and additional Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft.

UPS said it was in discussions with the union regarding the pilots’ complaint.

(Source: Bloomberg)