Union Says Legislature Should "Close The FedEx Loophole"

After Congress last week voted to extend the FAA Reauthorization Bill for another three months, the Teamsters Union issued a call to the Legislature to pass the permanent reauthorization. They say the current law gives special status to workers at FedEx.

"Congress must address the issue of fairness when it comes to FedEx's special treatment that allows it to treat its truck drivers as airline workers," Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said.

The two senators from Tennessee, where FedEx is based, have been threatening a filibuster to block the provision in the bill closing what the union calls the FedEx loophole. "Congress cannot bow to the wishes of one company and hold up this legislation because FedEx wants to keep its special status," said Teamsters Package Division Director and International Vice President Ken Hall. The Teamsters represent drivers at rival UPS, and have long sought to organize FedEx drivers as well.

The union says the "Express Carrier Employee Protection Act", which is attached to the House version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill, would establish one set of rules for all package delivery companies.

FedEx Express currently classifies truck drivers, sorters, loaders and unloaders as airline workers, and is the only shipper allowed to do so under the Railway Labor Act. More than 90,000 FedEx Express employees who the Teamsters say have no direct association with aviation are treated as airline employees. The union says that truck drivers, sorters, loaders and unloaders at small businesses, UPS and every other freight and package delivery company in the United States fall under the National Labor Relations Act.

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