FedEx pilot negotiations head to mediation as peak season approaches

FedEx Express pilots along with the firm’s management have filed for federal mediation to resolve contract negotiations, with peak season just around the corner.

Union Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said negotiations had been ongoing since May 2021 and last week 100 off-duty FedEx pilots held an informational picket at the Financial District in New York City to demonstrate their increasing frustrations.

Chris Norman, chair of the FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC), said: “With peak shipping season around the corner, it’s imperative that management fully commits to reaching a new pilot contract. FedEx pilots are getting more frustrated every day that goes by without an agreement.

“We’re hopeful that a mediator will assist in moving negotiations along and help us reach an agreement that recognises our collective contributions to FedEx’s success.”

He added: “The decision to invoke the services of the National Mediation Board (NMB) was not taken lightly. Although we are disappointed with management’s proposals, we remain prepared to work with FedEx under the auspices of federal mediation to achieve a contract that recognizes the collective contributions of FedEx pilots.”

The union said that the two parties have successfully closed eight of the 12 opened sections.

However, “significant gaps remain in critical economic sections including retirement and pay rates”.

In September, the express firm announced cuts to planned investments and expansion as revenues were lower than expected due to economic volatility.