Target Is Labor Language In The House Version Of FAA Reauthorization Bill

FedEx CEO Fredrick Smith has sent a company-wide letter urging "everyone on our team" to contact elected officials in regards to the labor language in the U.S. House version of the FAA reauthorization bill.

"Lobbyists for UPS and the Teamsters inserted a 230-word provision into a piece of legislation with the intent of harming FedEx Express," Smith wrote in the letter sent to employees and contractors who work for company.

FedEx Express drivers are currently able to organize under the Federal Railway Act, but they would not longer be allowed to do so given the provisions included in the House version of the bill. That would open the door to organization through the Teamsters union, who represents drivers for rival UPS.

Teamsters spokeswoman Leigh Strope told the Commercial Appeal of Memphis, TN it is "laughable" that FedEx, which has revenues of nearly $9 billion, would be "threatened" by the legislation.

Tennessee's two Republican Senators, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, have said they will do "what ever it takes" to keep the House language out of the final bill.

FMI: www.fedex.com, www.ups.com, www.teamsters.com, www.senate.gov