FedEx Express pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), jointly with FedEx Express management, filed for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for assistance with contract negotiations that began in May 2021. The joint filing provides the necessary step for both parties to request expedited mediation under the Railway Labor Act. The pilots have been consistent in their pursuit of an industry-leading employment contract. Last week, more than 100 off-duty FedEx pilots held an informational picket at the Financial District in New York City to demonstrate their increasing frustrations.
“The decision to invoke the services of the NMB was not taken lightly,” said Capt. Chris Norman, chair of the FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC). “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.”
Last year, FedEx pilots and management entered focused negotiations with a mutual goal of reaching a new agreement by the end of May 2022—a date that has long passed. Direct negotiations have been productive on the work rule sections of the contract. The parties have successfully closed 8 of the 12 opened sections; however, significant gaps remain in critical economic sections including retirement and pay rates. With only a few, but critical, items remaining, the FedEx ALPA MEC elected to pursue mediation and asked management to join in that request.
“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 recognizes our collective contributions to FedEx’s success,” added Norman.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 65,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots and @ALPACanada.
