340,000 UPS workers are voting whether to authorize a massive strike

As Americans become even more reliant on delivery, hundreds of thousands of UPS workers this week could authorize a strike that will bring the world's biggest package courier to a standstill.

UPS workers will vote this week on whether to authorize a strike if their union - the International Brotherhood of Teamsters - does not reach a new contract with UPS by August 1st.

The vote results will be announced next week on June 16, the union said. Strike authorization votes are routine during contract negotiations, and almost always pass.

A nationwide UPS strike would be the largest work stoppage in US history. The union represents more than half of UPS's total global employee base - 340,000 UPS Teamsters - which includes drivers and package sorters.

Voting will occur in person both at local union halls and at the gates of UPS facilities, according to the Teamsters.

"The time has come to use our strongest leverage and officially remind UPS that hundreds of thousands of Teamsters are ready to withhold our labor to ensure UPS acts accordingly," said Sean M. O'Brien, Teamsters General President. "The National Committee strongly urges all UPS Teamsters to vote YES to authorize a strike. This is how we win."

UPS and the Teamsters have been negotiating since April. The company said they had reached agreements on several important issues last month including "operating priorities, the use of technology and in-vehicle camera" as well as noting "advanced discussions on many other topics."