The FedEx pilots' union leadership voted Sunday to approve a new contract between the Memphis-based company and pilots — another step toward ending the two-year-plus negotiation process.
The FedEx Master Executive Council, the governing body of the FedEx unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, approved the tentative contract agreement reached May 30 with FedEx management. The next step in the process is a membership ratification ballot among union members, which opens July 5 and closes July 24.
A news release from the union also shares details for the first time about the agreement, which includes a 30% pay increase and a 30% increase to the pilots’ legacy pension.
“After careful consideration and thorough debate, our union leaders recognized the value this agreement will bring to our pilots and their families,” MEC chair Capt. Chris Norman said in a statement. “Now, we shift our focus to ensuring our pilots have the time and resources needed to make an informed decision.”
The pilots' union has been in contract negotiations with FedEx management since May 2021. The most updated contract was signed by FedEx pilots in 2015. The ALPA and FedEx management had been in mediation since November 2022.
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The MEC Negotiating Committee plans to educate pilots on the agreement prior to the vote by sharing the full contract language, publish detailed information about the agreement online and host a series of road shows that will begin June 20.
FedEx announced the tentative agreement between the two parties May 30, which helped to avoid a potential strike.
“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with our pilots as we continue delivering outstanding service to our customers around the world,” FedEx said in a statement on May 30.
Omer Yusuf covers the Ford project in Haywood County, FedEx, tourism and banking for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached via email Omer.Yusuf@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter @OmerAYusuf.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: FedEx pilots' contract approved by union leaders; what it includes