United Parcel Service aircraft maintenance workers started the voting process to authorize a strike on Friday after the employees reached a standstill with the carrier over wages and health benefits, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Here are five things to know.
- The vote, which will affect about 1,200 UPS aircraft mechanics and support staff, comes after three years of prolonged contract negotiations and disagreements over wages and health benefits, according to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
- Voting ends on Nov. 11. Results of the vote will be announced on Nov. 14, when the union and UPS are scheduled to meet again, according to the report.
- U.S. labor law dictates airline workers who help keep traffic and commerce moving cannot go on strike without government approval.
- Mike Mangeot, a spokesperson for UPS airlines, said the vote will not impact holiday shipping and UPS remains optimistic about reaching an agreement, according to WSJ.
- Federally mediated talks will continue through December, according to the report.