Fairfax, Va. ? The Teamsters rallied at United Parcel Service facilities across the country Tuesday, demanding higher pay and more full-time jobs in the shadow of a July 31 deadline.

“The pace has picked up, so they know we’re serious,” Teamsters President James P. Hoffa told protesters, wearing brown shorts and shirts, gathered in the parking lot of the UPS distribution facility in suburban Washington, D.C.

Rallies and petition drives took place at more than 200 UPS facilities, including Atlanta, where the company’s headquarters is located. The union’s rhetoric has intensified in recent weeks as the July 31 deadline draws near. Members last month voted to strike if an agreement is not reached.

UPS spokesman Norman Black said the rallies are part of the negotiating process and do not reflect what’s going on at the bargaining table. The company is pleased with the talks, which are progressing ahead of schedule, he said.