Teamsters Delegates Back Resolution to Secure FedEx Workers' Right to Pursue Union Representation

Delegates at the Teamsters 27th International Convention today overwhelmingly passed a resolution to work in solidarity with FedEx workers across the country to secure their right to freely join the Teamsters Union without pressure or intimidation.

“FedEx workers in more than 20 states are fighting back against FedEx Ground’s discriminatory practices,” said Ken Hall, International Vice President and Director of the Parcel and Small Package Division. “FedEx continues to manipulate job classifications and refuses to reclassify drivers as employees.”

FedEx, through its Ground Division, cynically classifies 14,000 drivers as independent contractors, thus shifting medical, fuel, truck maintenance, workers’ compensation and social security costs onto workers as well as avoiding overtime pay and paid vacations.

California workers have stood up to FedEx Ground’s discriminatory practices by filing a class-action lawsuit. A court ruled that FedEx Ground drivers should be classified as employees. Similar suits have been filed across the nation as more and more workers demand justice.

“This company cannot be allowed to continue its low-road business model,” Hall said. “The Teamsters Union will stand alongside the FedEx workers and support their struggle for dignity and fairness in the workplace and make sure they receive the union representation they desire.”

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States and Canada.