It's probable that FedEx management will present some "captive audience" meetings in the near future at terminals in the West, because they have sensed that there is a lot of frustration and anger among drivers and dockworkers about their recent "cost-cutting" moves. Cost-cutting that means less security and less money for you. You'll likely hear the usual story that unions have caused trucking companies to fail, that the Teamsters only are interested in you because of the dues and because they need to shore up their failing pension funds. Also, they'll remind you that FedEx has an open door policy and you don't need a third party, like the Teamsters, getting between you and management.Even workers who have been with the company for decades and who haven't expressed an interest in unionization, however, are skeptical of the self-serving nature of these half-truths and outright lies.
It's important to remember that in the United States of America, workers have the right to join together in a union in order to achieve enough power to negotiate as equals with the employer about their wages, benefits, and working conditions. The old saying still is true: "United we bargain, divided we beg." What's the best attitude to take during a captive audience meeting? The best advice has to do with the fact that management is looking for your reaction. They want to know who union supporters are, and who can they count on to support the company. They want to know how strong the sentiment among workers is for change, and they want to know how difficult it will be for them to sow seeds of doubt and fear among workers.In light of this, use your best judgment about how you react.
At this point, the best reaction is probably to listen politely, nod your head, don't ask questions, look bored. Nothing frustrates the union-busters more than not getting a reaction. As more terminals get involved in organizing and we build our organizing campaign, we'll have additional tactics to use. But for now, keep your powder dry, as they used to say in the navy.
The FedEx Watch Dogs.
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Attn: All FEDEX COMMITTEE AT FONTANA SVC, DOCKWORKERS, HOSTLERS, P & D DRIVER AND CLERICAL PLUS LINE DRIVERS. BEWARE OF ANTI-UNION MEETING ON FRIDAY 8-8-08, REPORT ALL FEDERAL VIOLATION OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT!!!! THEY CAN'T QUESTION NO EMPLOYEES ABOUT UNION ACTIVITYS OR DISCUSS ANY UNION MATTERS (FEDEX WATCHDOG
At the Local 952 we discussed getting medical insurance for part time dockworkers which is affordable for them and their families, along with receiving holiday pay of 4 hours per holiday. What was also discussed was part timers receiving a better sick hours accrual rate along with a better accrual rate for the part timers' vacation hours pay.
For full timers after a binding Union contract is established Fedex Freight will no longer be able to steamroll over their medical insurance and full time status. Meaning having Union representation will guarantee their position and job and no one will be forced to become a driver. No more at will employment for full timers. No part time demotions for dock workers, clerical, or drivers. What is also needed is a better pension along with retiree medical again we haven't worked hard all our lives to not receive medical insurance when we retire.
Drivers were also discussed and keeping them on the road was the central theme. Drivers are there to drive not work on the dock. Fuelers are needed to fuel tractors not get bumped around like second rate employees. With a Union and a contract a Union would guarantee these jobs. It has been discussed that Fedex Freight is now putting part time drivers in the east. Making them only work
5.9 hours a day only.
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