FedEx Express pickets outside the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, Monday, September 26, 2022.
Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Represented union fedex The pilots unanimously approved the strike authorization vote last week, they said. Wednesday press release.
Contract negotiations between FedEx management and the International Air Pilots Association’s FedEx Express Master Executive Council have stalled and no further negotiations are scheduled, the release said.
FedEx MEC Chairman Chris Norman said: “The decision to move closer to a strike approval vote is the result of nearly six months of federally brokered negotiations that have resulted in disappointment in the behavior of FedEx management at the negotiating table. .
FedEx pilots have been in talks with management since May 2021. FedEx Pilot Website Statementthe pilot’s leader claims the company “did not recognize the pilot’s contributions.”
FedEx said in a statement, “The approval of ALPA leadership, which may conduct a strike approval vote in the future, will not affect our ability to continue to serve our customers around the world.” said in a statement.
Tensions mount as the airline industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in record losses of around $35 billion in 2020. Contract negotiations with pilots and flight attendants have been further derailed by the pandemic. Rising costs.
A strike will only occur if negotiations break down and the federal government approves a strike in accordance with the required procedures of the Rail Labor Code. Both sides must be released from arbitration by the National Arbitration Commission brought in to assist in contract negotiations in October.
After 30 days, pilots and management were able to engage in self-help efforts, including union strikes and company lockouts.
“While FedEx pilots are committed to reaching an agreement with management, we are not abandoning our commitment to a deal that will reward pilots for their sacrifice to make FedEx the world leader it is today.” said Norman. “While there has not been a strike approval vote at this time, our customers and shareholders should be aware that the pilot may soon be headed in that direction.”
statement According to pilot leaders, FedEx customers should plan for alternatives in the event of a pilot strike. Only a few items remain for negotiation, according to the statement.
Updates will be made after one month. Southwest Airlines The pilot’s union called for a vote to approve a potential strike after deteriorating contract negotiations. delta airlines Pilots also voted to approve a possible strike in November.
Unions representing about 30,000 pilots together american airlines and united airlines We declined a potential contract in November.
— CNBC’s Leslie Josephs contributed to this report.
