MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The possibility of a pilot strike led FedEx to release a statement on Friday. The statement describing "productive negotiations" with their pilot's union:
"FedEx remains engages in productive negotiations with our pilots' union. These negotiations are a normal part of our business and have no impact on our service as we continue delivering for our customers around the world.
We will continue to negotiate in good faith with our pilots and are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to our pilots, our other team members and all other stakeholders."
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) describes the role FedEx pilots have specifically played through the COVID-19 pandemic on their website:
"Throughout the pandemic, the FedEx pilots helped keep the world economy afloat and commerce moving. Through their efforts, millions of vaccines and lifesaving medical equipment were transported around the world. Pilots endured working conditions unlike any ever seen in FedEx’s history.
From constant trip revisions, trip extensions, hotel isolation, close-contact protocols, personal protective equipment requirements, being sprayed with unknown chemicals, the threat of incarceration for COVID noncompliance in foreign countries, having to choose between rest and nutrition, and more, the pilots continued to deliver on FedEx’s 'Purple Promise.'”
FedEx employees recently played a role in transporting shipments of baby formula during a time of crisis and shortage. Team members were present to unload the formula shipment that landed in Indiana on May 22, then transport the formula to a distribution center to ensure it's safety.
“The lack of access to formula is impacting babies and families across the country, and we are proud to support the distribution of these critical items to deliver hope to those in need,” president and CEO-elect of FedEx Express Richard W. Smith said at the time.