Paid time off is one of the most valued parts of working at UPS — but how much you get depends on whether you’re union or management, how long you’ve worked there, and your local contract. This guide breaks down UPS vacation, personal/sick days and paid holidays, plus how to request time off through UPSers.
This is an independent guide. Time-off rules vary by Teamsters supplement, role and location — always confirm with your contract, manager or HR. We are not affiliated with UPS.
UPS vacation by years of service
For union (Teamster) employees, paid vacation grows with seniority. A typical schedule looks like this:
| Years of service | Paid vacation |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 1 week |
| 2 years | 2 weeks |
| 6 years | 3 weeks |
| 13 years | 4 weeks |
| 19 years | 5 weeks |
| 25 years | 6 weeks |
Senior full-time delivery drivers can reach up to seven weeks of paid vacation. The exact thresholds vary by local supplement — some, for example, grant a third week after the 10th anniversary — so check your own agreement for the precise schedule.
Option days, personal days and sick days
On top of vacation, most full-time employees earn additional paid days off — often called option days (or optional/personal holidays) and sick days. The number depends on your supplement and seniority. Examples from local agreements include:
- Around 5 personal/option days and 5–6 sick days per year in several supplements.
- Unused days may be paid out on a set date in some locals.
- Option days usually require advance notice (often a week) to schedule.
Altogether, a full-time driver can average roughly 18 days a year across holidays, sick leave and option days — on top of vacation weeks.
UPS paid holidays for employees
Under the 2023–2028 Teamsters National Master Agreement, full-time union employees receive about 10 paid holidays a year; part-time entitlements vary by supplement and seniority. Notably, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was added as a named paid holiday for the first time in the 2023 contract.
Note: these are employee paid holidays — they’re not the same as the customer-facing UPS shipping holiday schedule, which lists the days with no pickup or delivery.
How to request time off
Vacation is usually picked by seniority during an annual selection (bid) period, while option and sick days are requested as needed. You can view your schedule and submit requests through the UPSers work schedule tools or directly with your manager, following your supplement’s notice rules.
Unpaid leave and FMLA
For longer absences — a serious health condition, a new baby, or caring for a family member — eligible employees may take job-protected unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Contact UPS HR to start an FMLA request and learn what documentation is required.
What about management employees?
Non-union, salaried staff follow a company PTO plan rather than the Teamsters contract. Accrual is typically based on years of service and job level — check your offer letter or the UPSers benefits portal for your specific allotment.
Frequently asked questions
How much vacation do UPS employees get?
Union employees earn vacation by seniority — roughly 1 week at 1 year, scaling up to 6 weeks at 25 years, with senior full-time drivers reaching up to 7 weeks. Exact amounts vary by local supplement.
How many paid holidays does UPS give?
Full-time union employees receive about 10 paid holidays a year under the 2023–2028 contract, which now includes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Part-time entitlements vary.
Does UPS offer sick days?
Yes — most full-time employees earn paid sick days and option/personal days, with the exact number set by their local supplement and seniority.
How do I request time off at UPS?
Vacation is typically selected by seniority during an annual bid; option and sick days are requested through the UPSers portal or your manager, following your supplement’s notice requirements.
Related: UPSers Work Schedule · UPS Pay Schedule · UPSers.com Portal Explained.
