A federal mediator called an indefinite suspension in contract talks between United Parcel Service and its pilots Friday, a move that removes any near-term threat of a pilot strike at the world’s largest transportation firm.
Pilots had asked the National Mediation Board on Thursday to declare talks at an impasse, a move that would start the clock toward a 30-day “cooling off” period that would have freed the company’s 2,400 fliers to walk out at its conclusion.
The “indefinite recess” allows the two sides to communicate but sets no deadlines.
“We believe the most productive action going forward is to continue negotiations,” said Peggy Gardner, a UPS spokeswoman.
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UPS and its pilots have been talking for more than three years, and pilots say they remain about $40 million apart. Pilots say they will formally petition the mediation board to declare an impasse, and they expect a ruling in mid-January.