FedEx pilot leaders set stage for possible strike

The FedEx Express Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l , unanimously approved a resolution last week to allow for a strike authorization vote. While this is a step toward a pilots’ strike, there remain many steps that must be completed before a strike can take place. [caption id="attachment_57134124" align="alignright" width="300"] FedEx pilots gather on Wall Street in New York City on Sept. 26 to picket. (Photo/FedEx MEC)[/caption] Contract negotiations between the pilots and FedEx management have stalled and no future talks are scheduled , according to the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA). Negotiations began May 2021 and are being mediated by the National Mediation Board (NMB). “The decision to move closer to a strike authorization vote is the result of nearly six months of federally mediated negotiations that has led to our disappointment with FedEx management’s actions at the bargaining table,” FedEx Express Master Executive Council (MEC) Chairperson Capt. Chris Norman said in a release . FedEx’s air operations, based in Memphis , Tenn ., deliver freight and packages to more than 375 destinations across six continents each day, according to FedEx’s website. The company has 414 aircraft in service in its fleet, according to its second-quarter fiscal 2023 statistics that were released by the company in December. FedEx also has 285 aircraft in its feeder contracted fleet. Steps remain before possible strike Before a strike can occur, the NMB must officially end mediation and both parties must undergo a 30-day cooling-off period, according to the Railway Labor Act (RLA). The strike authorization vote is another necessary requirement. After this, the FedEx pilots can strike and FedEx management can institute a lockout. “There is no time limit for the mediation process,” an NMB spokesperson told Air Cargo Next . “It can take just a few meetings, or it can take many months, depending upon the complexity of the negotiations and many other factors unique to each contract negotiation. “The NMB has the authority to decide when and if to end mediation. Under the RLA, the NMB ceases mediation efforts when it concludes that all reasonable efforts to reach a voluntary agreement through mediation have failed.” While the NMB has not terminated mediation at this time, FedEx pilots have stated that insufficient progress has been made to negotiate a contract. ALPA represents approximately 6,000 FedEx pilots. “There are currently no further meetings scheduled with the mediator,” FedEx pilots told Air Cargo Next. “However, we have requested an initial meeting with the National Mediation Board to present the details of our negotiations and the lack of progress at the bargaining table.” Management does not anticipate disruptions Customers should plan alternative shipment means in case the strike does occur, according to ALPA. FedEx management said in a release on Wednesday, however, that “ALPA leadership’s approval to possibly conduct a strike authorization vote at some future time has no impact on our service.” The company said it is “committed to bargaining in good faith.” FedEx management plans to continue to work with NMB to reach a fair contract, the release stated. “We are confident that we can do so, while also delivering the best possible service to our customers, without any disruptions to our operations just as we have done in each previous bargaining cycle,” the statement from FedEx read.

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