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Deal at UPS could save pilots’ jobs

5 June 2009

Some 300 UPS pilots’ jobs in the US could be saved thanks to an agreement between the company and the Independent Pilots’ Association. As part of the deal the union has agreed to help save the company a substantial sum of money this year.

The agreement between UPS and the Louisville-based pilots’ union could stave off some 300 job cuts. The company’s 3000 pilots are being asked to volunteer to take a number of options in an effort to save US$40 million. These include early retirement, job-sharing and leaves of absence. The company will then work out by 7 June whether or not the savings are sufficient.

If the union meets similar cost cutting targets, further job losses could also be prevented over the next two years.

Union representatives believe the agreement provides pilots with the opportunity to take control of their own future.

"We're not out of the woods yet. We still have to reach the objective," said Bob Miller, president of the Independent Pilots Association. He recognised that US$40 million was a substantial sum and added: "But we're totally focused on raising it. We've created an opportunity here, and we're not going to waste any time trying to do anything other than seize the day."

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