Pilot Group Rings in New Year With Request for Contract that ‘Recognizes Value’

“As we sat down at the bargaining table for the first time in 2024, it was disappointing to read management’s comments made to a small group of pilots that downplayed their prospects to provide an industry-leading contract,” said Captain Billy Wilson, chair of the FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council.

“Everything attributed to FedEx management in a recent media piece has been used before to excuse a plodding pace at the bargaining table and overall failure to recognize the value of FedEx pilots. It should be clear by now that we aren’t buying it, and I’m proud to say that our leadership and negotiating team are holding the line. It’s time for this weird combination of excuses and promises to be replaced by an industry-leading agreement.”

FedEx pilots have evidently gotten wise to the routine after a few years, seeing their company make record-breaking profits since 2020. Their resolve has been steeled throughout recent months, to the point they rejected a tentative agreement in July 2023.

“As bargaining progresses, management continues to help build our resolve and unity,” added Wilson. “The so-called opportunity management recently offered for pilots to leave FedEx, a career destination for many pilots, for hiring preference and a signing bonus at a regional airline was insulting. Comments like those reported yesterday do nothing more than solidify our resolve.”

FMI: www.alpa.org