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UPS to Cut 20,000 Jobs Amid Drop in Amazon Shipments: A Look Into the Logistics Industry’s Challenges

On Tuesday, UPS announced plans to reduce its workforce by 20,000 positions this year. This decision is part of a strategic effort to cut costs, influenced largely by a reduction in package deliveries for Amazon, UPS’s largest customer.

Operating in over 200 countries, UPS’s current employee count stands at approximately 490,000, meaning the layoffs will impact just over 4% of their workforce. This follows a previous announcement of 12,000 job cuts.

To streamline operations and enhance profitability, UPS also revealed plans to close 73 facilities by mid-2025, with potential for additional closures.

In a filing, UPS outlined these job cuts as anticipating lower volumes from Amazon, aiming to achieve a savings of $3.5 billion this year. Brian Dykes, UPS CFO, emphasized these actions aim to expand domestic operating margins and bolster profitability.

Impact on Workforce and Relationships

Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters’ general president, highlighted UPS’s contractual commitment to create 30,000 Teamsters jobs. He stated, “If UPS downsizes corporate management, we won’t oppose. But any attempts to undermine Teamsters’ jobs will be met with strong opposition.”

Despite cutting Amazon shipments by over 50% in late 2026, both companies maintain what they term a “strong working relationship.”

This move may reflect broader shifts as companies reevaluate logistics strategies in response to fluctuating global trade policies and tariffs, impacting the flow of goods worldwide, similar to trends seen in Cyprus’s banking sector.

Broader Economic Concerns

The trade tensions, largely attributed to new tariffs, have significantly impacted UPS’s operations, notably affecting its highly profitable China-to-U.S. trade routes.

Sklavenitis Cyprus Sets A New Standard For Employee-Centric Benefits

Investing In Human Capital

In a bold move that underscores the growing importance of human capital in today’s business landscape, Sklavenitis Cyprus has taken innovative steps to ensure its workforce is both valued and supported. The supermarket chain has introduced a policy to pay a 14th salary to all employees—including those from Papantoniou Supermarkets—cementing its status as the sole retailer in Cyprus to implement such a comprehensive benefit.

A Significant Investment In People

This initiative is far from symbolic. With an estimated total cost of €2 million, it represents a committed investment in the company’s most valuable asset—its people. By providing an additional salary, Sklavenitis reinforces a culture of inclusivity and fairness, acknowledging every employee’s contribution to its success.

Robust Benefits For Long-Term Stability

Complementary to the 14th salary, the company has launched a robust benefits program designed to address both financial and personal security. An Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (ATA) of 12.56 per cent ensures that wages remain aligned with inflation, safeguarding real income stability for its team members.

Comprehensive Health And Life Support

Sklavenitis further enhances employee welfare through access to a Group Life and Health Insurance Plan and a Provident Fund co-funded by the employer. These measures not only provide immediate protection but also empower employees to plan confidently for the future.

Exclusive Perks And Incentives

The company extends its commitment beyond conventional benefits by offering store discounts, a birth allowance, and holiday gift vouchers valued at €100 during both Easter and Christmas. These additional perks enhance employee satisfaction and underline Sklavenitis’ people-first ethos.

A Strategy For Mutual Success

In an industry where employee engagement directly impacts customer satisfaction, Sklavenitis’ comprehensive approach stands out as both a progressive and strategic business decision. By investing in its workforce, the company not only nurtures a supportive workplace but also drives superior corporate performance, setting a new benchmark for responsible employment practices in Cyprus.

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