The Teamsters Union has launched an organizing campaign at FedEx Freight, starting in Southern California, International Vice President and Package Division Director Ken Hall recently announced.
“We’ve been working quietly for months to prepare for this moment,” Hall said at the union’s 28th International Convention in June. “But now, we’re ready to let all of you know. We are officially launching our FedEx Freight organizing campaign in the West. This is a massive undertaking. With planning, patience and perseverance, we will win this campaign. Not today, maybe not tomorrow, but with the support of this entire union, make no mistake about it; FedEx Freight will be a union shop!”
“FedEx Freight workers want a voice on the job and deserve strong representation,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “They know that the Teamsters will amplify their voices and we won’t stop until the job is done.”
FedEx Freight has recently undergone a merger of two separate companies that made up FedEx Freight’s operation. Teamster organizers and local unions have maintained contact with FedEx Freight drivers from both of the merged companies for many years. The International Union, working with Joint Council 42 in California, is committed to organizing these drivers. “Day by day the interest is growing,” said Randy Cammack, International Vice President and President of Joint Council 42. “But Fred Smith (FedEx president and CEO) has heard about this and he’s already started a serious anti-union campaign. He’s given all the employees at FedEx Freight CDs to listen to and DVDs critical of the union.”
Cammack said a team of organizers has been working with FedEx Freight drivers to build committees and put together a solid program. The drivers desperately want to form a union and are enthusiastic and committed. “I’m here to say, now it’s our turn, and boy, are we ready for it,” said Rudy Hernandez, a FedEx Freight driver, at the union’s recent Convention. “We have developed an organizing committee and we are working hard with our organizers but we cannot do this alone. We need your help. We are all in this together.”
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