UPS UK Strike Threat Puts Christmas Deliveries at Risk

Christmas gift deliveries across the United Kingdom face significant delays as 2,000 UPS employees consider industrial action. The Unite union has stated that strikes could disrupt festive shopping, with online parcels and gifts sent through UPS at risk. Workers, including delivery drivers, are currently being balloted for a walkout following a dispute over pay and conditions.

Apple customers may be particularly affected, as the technology company relies heavily on UPS for its deliveries. Other major brands such as Amazon, Dell, and Louis Vuitton may also be impacted, although Amazon has indicated that only a small proportion of its UK parcels are managed by UPS.

The ballot, launched this week, is due to close on Wednesday 3 December, with any approved strike expected to take place from the middle of the month. Unite members have already rejected UPS’s recent proposal of a 2.8 percent pay rise for 2025, with 3.2 percent to follow in 2026. With inflation in October reaching 3.6 percent, workers have called the offer insufficient.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, criticised UPS for putting profits before its people, adding that employees have been left struggling despite the company’s substantial turnover. The union’s concerns extend beyond pay, citing unreasonable workloads, widespread enforced overtime, and a lack of staff replacements contributing to difficult working conditions. Additional fears relate to job security due to increased outsourcing by the company.

Matt Draper, Unite’s national officer, emphasised that responsibility for any industrial action would rest with UPS management, urging the company to return to negotiations with a fairer pay offer and improvements to working conditions. The current dispute bears similarities to the Royal Mail strikes of Christmas 2022, which led to widespread delivery chaos and a subsequent surge in returned presents.

A spokesman for UPS stated the company aims to foster a positive working environment and is seeking a balanced, fair, and sustainable agreement. Contingency plans are being put in place to mitigate potential disruption and honour commitments to customers should industrial action proceed.