Q&A
Union Membership Q&A
Q. Can the union get employees a wage increase to offset the union dues?
A: The union cannot guarantee a wage increase. FedEx Freight will negotiate in good faith, but it is not legally required to agree to any specific employment terms. None of the four centers that unionized at FedEx Freight have obtained wages or benefits beyond those provided to our non-unionized team members.
Q.What is the company’s position on unions?
A: We do not believe that a union is necessary at FedEx Freight and will oppose unions by every legal means available.
Q. Why does the company oppose a union?
A: The Company strongly believes that a union will hinder its ability to provide the service that our customers expect. The Company further believes the best environment to cultivate positive change is one of mutual trust and respect — one that encourages direct and honest communication between team members at all levels. Unions tend to erode, not cultivate, this culture.
Q. If a union is voted in, do employees automatically get union benefits, wages and work rules?
A: No. This is the biggest myth sold by unions. There are no “standard” union benefits, wages or work rules that automatically apply if a union wins an election. The company has as much legal right to insist on existing employment terms (or less).
Q. If a union is voted in, would I have to become a member and pay dues?
A: That depends on where you live and what is negotiated. In the 26 right-to-work states, it is illegal to force team members to join a union, but an employer may agree to deduct union dues when authorized by individual team members who voluntarily join. In the other states, a union may seek to require team members to join the union after 30 days of employment or be fired. Where legal, unions always seek such “union security”/”forced membership” clauses in their collective bargaining agreements.
Q. What is a “management rights clause” in a collective bargaining agreement?
A: It gives a company the right to run its business without union interference, often including items such as the right to make and enforce work rules, subcontract work, schedule work, establish staffing levels, lay off and recall employees, and many other actions. FedEx Freight will always insist on a management rights clause.
Q. Must the Company agree to binding grievance arbitration?
A: Some collective bargaining agreements provide for arbitration of employment disputes, including claims of termination without cause. The employer must agree to the inclusion of such a clause, however. For instance, FedEx Freight did not agree to an arbitration clause in East Philadelphia, Charlotte and South Brunswick. In Stockton, the union agreed to FedEx Freight’s internal grievance procedure instead of arbitration.
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