(Las Vegas) – The Teamsters scored a major victory today after UPS agreed to the union's demand to come to the bargaining table to begin early contract negotiations for the 2008 National Master United Parcel Service Agreement. Negotiations are expected to begin in 30 to 45 days.

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa delivered the announcement at the Teamsters 27th International Convention in Las Vegas, which is being attended by more than 7,000 delegates, retirees and guests.

"We can't afford to wait to protect the pensions and health care benefits of our UPS members and we won't," Hoffa said. "UPS knows we will do whatever it takes to make sure Teamsters at UPS are rewarded for their hard work and dedication." The UPS agreement, which covers more than 200,000 Teamsters, expires at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 1, 2008.

"UPS heard the Teamsters loud and clear," said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Parcel and Small Package Division. "We need a permanent fix to the complex problems of retirement security and health care, and we will be proactive and fix them at the bargaining table."

UPS also has agreed to the Teamsters' demand for a card-check agreement at UPS Freight, providing a major boost to the Teamsters' organizing efforts at the former Overnite Transportation.