Negotiations Took More Than Two Years

Some possible good news for pilots at worldwide package delivery service FedEx... as Aero-News has learned that company and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract Saturday night, after more than two years of often-heated negotiations.

"We're gratified that the collective bargaining process has produced solid contract improvements that acknowledge our pilot group's contributions to FedEx and we appreciate the Company's commitment to these negotiations," said Captain David Webb, chairman of the ALPA FedEx MEC.

Reuters reports the agreement is subject to review -- and will then be put to vote before the 4,700 pilots flying for the Tennessee-based cargo shipper. Negotiations on the new contract began in March 2004.

"We at FedEx Express appreciate the time and effort both sides have put into reaching a resolution that is not only fair to our pilots and their families but also fair to the company and our other employees and shareowners," said David J. Bronczek, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Express.

Webb seemed optimistic the contract would be met with pilots' approval. "We look forward to presenting the tentative agreement to our governing body and membership," he said.

If ratified, the deal would become amendable in 2010 -- allowing pilots to push for further changes at that time.

FMI: www.fedex.com, www.alpa.org