The Massive UPS Strike Could Wreck the U.S. Economy, But Amazon Might Profit Big Time Anyway — Here's Why The contract between UPS workers and the company expires on August 1.
By Amanda Breen •
Key Takeaways
- Potential UPS strike could be the largest single-employer strike in U.S. history
- Amazon Prime Day could see a boost in sales as consumers rush to place orders in advance
- Retailers have to prepare to meet demand in the aftermath of supply chain shortages
Although the potential UPS strike — what would be the largest single-employer strike in U.S. history — could devastate both the company and the U.S. economy, Amazon will likely come out on top.
That's because of Prime Day, which kicks off today, and consumers who are prepared to snag their deals far enough in advance to ensure purchases arrive in time for back-to-school next month, Yahoo Finance Live reported.
Related: Teamsters Tell UPS to Send 'Final Offer,' Strike 'Inevitable'
Burt Flickinger, managing director at Strategic Resource Group, told the outlet that UPS supports about 37% of Amazon's shipments and that consumers are well aware of the potential slowdown on the horizon, thanks to extensive reporting — which will encourage them to buy on the ecommerce platform's biggest sale day.
Amazon's Prime Day last July was already the biggest in its history: Prime members bought more than 300 million items globally, according to the company — that's more than 100,000 items per minute.
The strike could happen as early as August 1, when the contract between UPS workers and the company expires. Unionized UPS workers, represented by the Teamsters, are asking for improved working conditions — including air conditioning in delivery trucks — and increased pay, CNN reported.
Related: How Amazon Prime Day Can Bring in Prime Sales for Your Business
Retailers will have to "find their footing" in the aftermath of supply chain shortages and place orders ahead to be prepared for the potential strike, Flickinger tells Yahoo Finance.
