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Teamsters backs Fedex mechanics’ organising efforts
3 July 2008
A US union is throwing its support behind the efforts of Fedex Express mechanics to establish a union.
General President of the ITF-affiliated Teamster union Jim Hoffa joined hundreds of Teamster members, organisers and FedEx Express mechanics at a rally on 26 June in Memphis, Tennessee, to promote organising efforts at the global delivery firm.
Calling on Fedex to allow the workers to seek representation free from intimidation by management, Hoffa said: "We've already heard reports that Fedex held captive audience meetings today at locations around Memphis.
"These workers deserve the right to make a choice free from any anti-union efforts from their employer."
Dave Saucier, a mechanic at Fedex Express for ten years said: "In my ten years I've seen Fedex Express continue to squeeze us at every turn.
"Now that they've taken our pension plan away, we stand to lose tens of thousands of dollars and will work at a minimum of ten more years to make up the difference."
The rally took place two days before the launch of an organising campaign to recruit Fedex Express mechanics in the Memphis area.
"With our mighty army of organisers in the field, the Teamsters are ready to go to battle with FedEx to bring these workers the respect and power they deserve," Hoffa said.
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