Even if they’re very close [to a deal], the rank and file will be hungry to take on the company.” If that happens, a strike at UPS would affect nearly every household in the country.We believe we’ll continue to find common ground with the Teamsters and reach an agreement that’s good for everyone involved.” The union has not gone on strike against UPS since a nearly two-week protest in 1997.Anger over current contract There are certainly signs of strain in relations between the company and the union — both its leadership and its rank-and-file members.O’Brien vows the union will not grant any kind of contract extension past that deadline.UPS CEO Carol Tome, who started that job just as the pandemic began, says that the company’s union contract is a competitive advantage at a time of worker shortages."