Teamsters continue unionization of FedEx Freight

As the labor organization withdrew a scheduled vote for representation in Newark, workers in Charlotte voted to join.    The International Brotherhood of Teamsters withdrew their petition for a unionization election Tuesday at the FedEx Freight service center in South Newark, N.J. A vote was to occur on Wednesday.
   “Union officials generally withdraw election petitions when they believe they are going to lose,” FedEx said in a statement.
   But the Teamsters  also scored a victory Tuesday at the FedEx Freight location in Charlotte, N.C., where drivers voted for union representation.
   “Like the drivers in Philadelphia and in South Brunswick, N.J., who voted to join the Teamsters, the workers in Charlotte want to be treated fairly, and they want to have consistent, fair work rules,” stated Steve Bess, president of Charlotte’s Teamsters Local 71. “The company ramped up its vicious anti-worker, anti-union campaign here, but the drivers remained strong and focused. Rather than lying to the workers, the company should use the money to provide better benefits for the workers and their families.”
   On Oct. 31, drivers at the FedEx Freight facility in South Brunswick, N.J., voted to unionize. Earlier in the month, drivers based in Croydon, Pa., approved Teamster representation.
   “With these three victories, drivers are making it loud and clear to the company that they are fed up with FedEx Freight,” Jim Hoffa, Teamsters’ general president, stated. “Our campaign continues to roll and FedEx Freight drivers are showing they will fight for fairness, respect and dignity.”
   FedEx downplayed the victory, as it emphasized the withdrawal of the South Newark election. The move follows the Teamsters’ withdrawal of a unionization vote at a Middletown, Pa., FedEx Freight facility on Oct. 30, one day before the scheduled vote. On Nov.12, the Teamsters lost a unionization vote in Newark, N.J. FedEx congratulated its employees for “doing their homework on the union and making an informed decision against third-party interference” after the vote.
   In a statement after the Charlotte election, FedEx said, “It remains business-as-usual at FedEx Freight, and our nationwide network won’t miss a beat. With respect to the Charlotte election results, FedEx Freight is considering an appeal.”