UPS will do everything it can to save costs in this horrible economy. Layoffs have never, ever been announced, while I worked for UPS 1978-2006, so this is very serious issue for all UPSer's.
UPS has also been consolidating districts and regions since the mid 90's and will consider to do so, to streamline management, real estate and technology support. So no surprise there.
Many baby boomers have spent their entire working life and UPS and my thoughts would be as they retire, both Union, Non Management and Management, they will not be replaced, unless volume warrants the position.
It is an ugly world out there right now economically, and no one knows when it will end or get back to where we were a couple years ago. Could take months or years, depending on what you read. The economy may never be as we've known it, who knows?
For the first time in my life, I can say all Americans are screwed, regardless of your financial status. The rich are getting poor, the middle class is gone, and the poor can't afford anything anymore. Even the welfare recepients in my state are crying they need more money, as they can't make ends meet. What a mess!!!