Senate Ignores FedEx Bullying, Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill Unanimously

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Senators on Monday voted 93-0 to approve FAA Reauthorization, disregarding FedEx’s efforts to intimidate them into blocking a measure that would level the playing field in the package delivery industry. 

“The Senate vote last night moves us that much closer to a fair deal for FedEx Express workers,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “This has been a long, hard climb, and we still have a ways to go, but I know we’ll get there.”

Memphis-based FedEx wants to keep the special status it quietly inserted into legislation 14 years ago. As a result of that special deal, FedEx Express is the only package delivery company governed by the Railway Labor Act, which covers railroads and airlines. FedEx’s drivers, sorters and loaders are therefore regulated under labor law as if they were airline pilots.

The House of Representatives passed a version of FAA Reauthorization that includes The Express Carrier Employee Protection Act. The act would regulate FedEx Express drivers, sorters and loaders under the appropriate labor law – the National Labor Relations Act. That law would make it easier for FedEx Express workers to form a union.

FedEx chairman Fred Smith is spending lavishly on advertising and lobbyists while intimidating lawmakers to save his special deal. He has repeatedly threatened to cancel plans to buy 15 Boeing cargo planes if his company loses its special status. He was able to influence his senators from Tennessee to delay a vote on FAA Reauthorization, but that tactic ultimately failed.

“Delaying this important bill delays airport construction projects that will create tens of thousands of jobs,” Hoffa said. “It delays airline safety improvements that are desperately needed. And it delays a level playing field for package delivery workers.”

Hoffa, along with Vice President and Package Division Director Ken Hall, have worked tirelessly to persuade influential lawmakers that the legislation must move forward despite FedEx’s threats. They will continue to push for the Express Carrier Employee Protection Act as the legislation moves forward. Steps to be taken include House and Senate appointment of a conference committee to reconcile differences in the two versions of FAA Reauthorization. The Tennessee senators may try to block the bill from going to conference. If it goes to conference, both chambers will have to vote on it again. 

“Many, many Teamsters have written or called their representatives in Congress, and that has made a tremendous difference,” Hall said. “Collectively, you are drowning out Fred Smith’s demands for special treatment. Please keep up the pressure. It’s working,” Hall said.

The Teamsters Union was founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Follow the Teamsters Union on www.Teamster.org and Twitter at www.twitter.com/TeamsterPower.