Retailers Urge Quick Resolution to Avoid UPS Strike--Uncertainty is Like Kryptonite

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the July 31 deadline for a UPS-Teamsters contract approaches, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement urging a quick resolution.

"As leaders within the U.S. economy, we are growing increasingly concerned with the stalled contract negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters. Reliable and quick shipping—ensuring the timely delivery of essential goods such as groceries, medicine, and school supplies to customers' doorsteps—is the hallmark of our industry and the UPS fleet plays a critical role in that operation. Uncertainty is like kryptonite for supply chains. 

"While retailers maintain flexible and resilient supply chains, adept at navigating challenges to deliver for consumers, the impact of a UPS worker strike would undoubtedly be felt throughout the economy, to the tune of billions of dollars. Retailers are preparing contingency plans, but even the most robust planning won't shield retailers or consumers from the impact of shutting down a key component in the supply chain as we head full-steam into back-to-school and then holiday shopping seasons.

"The impact of a supply chain disruption is no longer an academic exercise. We need only look in our rear-view mirror to see the economic and consumer harm that resulted from supply chain bottlenecks and delays that rippled throughout the economy post pandemic. Having worked through these challenges methodically over the past two years, retailers are loathe to stress-test contingency plans again.

"We remain optimistic that, with the nationwide implications in mind, a resolution can be reached soon. We urge all negotiating parties to remain at the table until a deal is reached that keeps this vital supply chain link operating at full capacity."

RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

SOURCE Retail Industry Leaders Association