Christmas chaos: Major delivery company could see delivery strike over holidays

If members back walkouts, walkouts could begin in mid-December, placing pressure on parcel deliveries during the busiest retail period of the year.

Any disruption would affect last-minute Christmas purchases and Boxing Day sales orders.

The dispute follows Unite members rejecting UPS management’s latest pay offers.

The ballot covers delivery drivers and other operational staff across the company’s UK network.

Millions of parcels are handled by UPS each day in Britain, making the timing of any industrial action particularly significant for retailers and consumers.

Workers turned down proposed pay rises of 2.8 per cent for the coming year and 3.2 per cent for 2026.

These figures fall short of current inflation measures, with the retail price index at around 4.5 per cent and the consumer price index at 3.6 per cent.

Trade unions frequently reference RPI in negotiations because it tends to exceed CPI, which they argue provides a more accurate reflection of living cost increases.

Unite said staff rejected the pay package partly because a promised £100 lump-sum payment for minimum-wage employees was withdrawn.

The union said the money was instead reallocated to support the pay offer for 2026.

It also alleged management displayed posters urging staff not to take part in the vote.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This dispute is a clear case of a rich employer putting profits before people. It is shameful that workers at a company that turns over billions have been offered such a miserly pay deal and have been left struggling to get by."

UPS is the world’s largest parcel courier, transporting more than 15 million packages daily worldwide.

The company’s UK operations are based in Feltham, west London.

Financial data shows UPS reported third-quarter net profits of $1.31billion (£1billion) on revenues of $21.4billion.

Unite said around one quarter of the firm’s UK workforce earns minimum wage at £12.21 per hour.

The union argues many staff struggle with rising living costs despite the company’s profitability.

Concerns extend beyond pay levels to working conditions across the organisation.

Unite said compulsory overtime has become routine, driven by ongoing staff shortages it claims management has yet to resolve.

The union also reported sick pay has been withheld in some cases, which it said breaches existing agreements.

Concerns about outsourcing have also been raised by workers.

Unite national officer Matt Draper said: "Any industrial action and disruption to customers will be entirely the fault of UPS which is prioritising its own greed.

"Management need to come back to the table with a pay offer that is acceptable to our members as well as commit to improving conditions."

The combination of pay concerns and workplace issues has contributed to growing frustration among the workforce ahead of the critical festive trading period.

Major retailers could face significant complications if strikes go ahead.

Unite identified Apple, Amazon, Dell and Louis Vuitton among the companies that frequently use UPS services.

Retailers depend heavily on reliable courier operations in December as customer demand reaches its highest level.

Potential walkouts raise the likelihood of delivery delays across Britain during a peak period for online shopping.

Consumers ordering Christmas presents or time-sensitive items would be most exposed to the effects of any disruption.

Industry experts advise placing standard delivery orders by early December to reduce the risk of delays.

Time-critical packages may require express delivery services by around December 15.

Shoppers are encouraged to check retailer cut-off dates and follow courier updates as the ballot progresses.

The outcome of the vote could influence the movement of millions of parcels destined for households across the UK during the crucial Christmas season.

UPS have been contacted for comment.

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