WASHINGTON - Union president James Hoffa said Friday that United Parcel Service can stop losing business to competitors by agreeing to a new contract with the Teamsters this weekend. <br>
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Hoffa, from outside a Washington hotel where negotiations were to continue through the weekend, says the company can stop the bleeding and can make sure they get a good contract. <br>
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Atlanta-based UPS said Friday that its second-quarter profits fell slightly as the freight hauler struggled with a still-weak economy and the defection of customers who fear a strike after the Teamsters contract expires July 31. Package volume was down two percent in April and May from last year's levels, and fell four percent in June. <br>
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Hoffa says negotiations are at a critical phase, and it was possible to reach an agreement during the weekend. The Teamsters were prepared to stay at the bargaining table around the clock if necessary, he said. <br>
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Health care and pensions are two of the major issues that still have not been decided. The Teamsters want the company to continue to pay for full health insurance coverage and not pass on the escalating costs to workers. The union also wants to maintain pension benefit levels and allow for later increases.
