I believe that issue is solved in the current tentative agreement. Or rather, all new UPS vehicles from now on will have AC, but current vehicles won’t.
That really only works if workers that need them get new trucks, some of them have literally died.
It’s not perfect, but that’s unfortunately how union contracts tend to go. They don’t get a $5 raise right away but its a couple dollars every year over 5 years. They don’t upgrade the entire fleet instantly, but all new vehicles will have lifesaving cooling.
It’s actually a bit more favorable than I originally thought, though. Within 30 days of the contract being signed, all cars will have a cabin fan and heat shields.
Air conditioning systems will be included in all of the company’s small package delivery vehicles purchased after Jan. 1, 2024.
It will be the first time UPS will be required to equip the company’s recognizable “package car” vehicles — which make up about 95% of its delivery fleet — with air conditioning, the union said.
UPS said it would send the new vehicles to the hottest parts of the U.S. first when possible.
Under the agreement, UPS will ensure all current package cars have a cab fan within 30 days of the new contract being ratified; the company will also install heat shields, which reduce truck floor temperatures, and air induction systems to increase airflow in the cargo areas.
