Mediator’s Decision Riles Pilot Association

The head of the Independent Pilots Association on Thursday accused federal mediators of siding with United Parcel Service in a move that could scuttle the company’s latest contract offer.

IPA President Bob Miller made the comments after the National Mediation Board issued a statement this week saying a mediator would not allow pilots to strike UPS until early next year.

“I believe it’s extremely unfortunate that the board chose to take this stand at this time and create what could be a backlash against their actions,” Miller said.

The board’s statement also outlined steps that could lead to a strike if UPS pilots rejected a contract offer the freight shipping company made on Sunday. The statement would seem to reassure shippers that a work stoppage would not disrupt the company’s busy holiday season after a 15-day Teamsters strike this month.

A spokesman for the mediation board declined to respond to Miller’s contention that he and many of the 2,000 UPS pilots believe the board is siding with UPS.