The International Brotherhood of Teamsters union is ratcheting up pressure on UPS in labor contract negotiations, with threats of a strike Aug. 1 if the two sides don’t reach agreement.

The Teamsters said their negotiators walked away from the bargaining table Wednesday and are demanding a last, best and final offer from the shipping giant by this Friday.

UPS said it submitted a proposal last week, and this week submitted a “significantly amended proposal to address key demands from the Teamsters.”

“We’re working around the clock to reach an agreement that strengthens our industry-leading pay and benefits ahead of the current contract’s expiration on August 1,” UPS said. “We remain at the table ready to negotiate.”

The Teamsters dismissed the counter proposals as “miniscule with  General President Sean O’Brien stating,   “The largest single-employer strike in American history now appears inevitable.”

The number of people who have voluntarily joined a program to control problem gambling habits has increased to new heights following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

The voluntary self-exclusion program (VSE) is a statewide program to allow Bay State residents to opt out of casino gambling, sports wagering or both. Individuals in the program are prohibited from entering gambling areas, forfeit or suspend rewards points and are automatically removed from marketing lists.

Data presented to the Gaming Commission on Thursday showed that 1,430 Massachusetts residents are currently enrolled in the program. This includes 1,328 people voluntarily opting out of gambling at casinos, and 102 people are currently enrolled to prevent themselves from sports betting.