FedEx Strikes Union Deal, Averts Potential Strike

FedX said it has reached a “tentative agreement” with its pilots on an amended collective bargaining agreement to avoid a strike.

The deal follows ongoing discussions with pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), over their employment contracts.

FedEx said on May 30: “We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with our pilots as we continue delivering outstanding service to our customers around the world.”

Earlier this month, FedEx claimed recent strike discussions had “no impact on our service”.

On May 17, FedEx Express pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), voted to authorise a strike.

The FedEx Express Master Executive Council (MEC) of ALPA unanimously approved a resolution setti9ing the stage for a strike authorisation vote in February.

The voting window for the strike authorisation ballot then opened on April 18.

Strike authorisation is one of several steps necessary for a strike to occur, pointed out FedEx in a statement on May 17.

The FedEx pilots are working under contractual provisions and benefits negotiated in 2015, ALPA previously said.

ALPA and FedEx began negotiations in May 2021 and have been in mediation with the National Mediation Board since November 2022.

“For more than two years, our pilots have demonstrated their unwavering support of our Negotiating Committee, and just two weeks ago voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike,” said Capt. Chris Norman, chair of the FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC).

“This tentative agreement represents the culmination of a tremendous effort, and would not have been possible without the solidarity, patience, and determination of every FedEx pilot.”

The tentative agreement is subject to the finalization of contract language. Terms of the agreement are not being released, as they first must be reviewed and approved by the FedEx MEC.

If approved, the agreement will be subject to a ratification vote of the FedEx pilots.