Warwick to address preparation for possible UPS strike

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Mayor Frank Picozzi and Warwick police will provide an update Thursday on how the city is preparing for a possible UPS strike at the end of the month.

Picozzi said in a social media post that the current labor contract between UPS and its employees will expire on July 31.

“The Union has said that employees have already voted to authorize a strike should an agreement not be reached,” Picozzi said. “My concern is how a strike would impact our city considering that UPS has a large facility here that would be a picket location which would require a large and constant police presence.”

The mayor said he and Chief Bradford Connor have met with both sides.

He said UPS management and union representatives have been negotiating a new contract.

Picozzi said Connor has a plan for a possible strike in August, but it may deflate the police department’s resources.

“In the event of a strike, police manpower and resources will be stretched to the limit and unfortunately that may result in the cancellation of some public events because we won’t be able to cover them,” Picozzi said.

The mayor said the decision either way will take some time.

“Both management and the union have said that even if an agreement is reached in the very near future, it would take a couple of weeks for the nationwide vote to get accomplished. In that eventuality workers are expected to continue working but demonstration pickets may occur,” Picozzi said.

While the city is preparing for a strike, officials are hoping both sides reach a resolution.