HIDA Urges Resolution Of UPS Labor Dispute, Raises Concerns About Impact On Medical Supply Chain

Alexandria, VA, July 21, 2023 – The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) today announced that it has joined with other business leaders on a letter to President Joe Biden raising concerns about the potential economic impact if a work stoppage arises out of the United Parcel Service and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters negotiation.

“The potential impact on healthcare is very real,” said HIDA President & CEO Matthew J. Rowan. “The supply chain relies on small parcel delivery to get supplies to patients in their homes, doctors’ offices, first responders, and clinics. We strongly urge the parties and the Biden administration to avoid a work stoppage at all costs.”

The industry letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that “America also relies on critical medical deliveries enabled by the predictability and reliability of the UPS network, such as vaccines, medical devices, and life-saving medication. … A strike would lead to months-long backlogs in the supply chain and the interruption of deliveries of critical medical supplies and other essential items.”

Read the full letter here.

About HIDA

Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) represents the healthcare distribution network – the essential link between global healthcare supply manufacturers and local care providers. HIDA members operate more than 500+ distribution centers to bring critical products, supplies, and services to more than 560,000 healthcare settings across the U.S., including hospitals, long-term care, physician practices, home care, and laboratories. Visit HIDA.org.