Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Why It's Time to Retire the 401(k)

By Stephen Gandel

Retiree Robert Shively spends his days on the golf course. For many, that would be a dream come true, but not quite in the way Shively does it. The 68-year-old is the cart mechanic at the Niagara Falls Country Club.

Two and a half decades ago, his then employer, Occidental Petroleum Corp., cut its traditional defined pension plan in favor of a 401(k)-type system. So instead of getting a guaranteed pension check of $1,308 a month for his 36 years as a full-time, salaried employee, the former chemical-factory worker receives $225 a month from his 13 years as an hourly employee, plus $180.16 a month from a profit-sharing plan Oxy had for salaried employees until 1994. He also has $70,000 left of the money he saved from his tax-deferred 401(k). On the days he works, Shively rises at 5 a.m. to get to the golf course. He mostly enjoys the job. But on tournament mornings, he has to be at the course at 4 a.m. A few years ago the country club switched from gas to electric carts, some of which have four 84-lb. batteries each. Every year, Shively and another worker have to lift out all the batteries and store them for winter. "Your body aches all over," he says.

Read more

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Elected 2009 Scrooge of the Year

By jwjnational, on December 21st, 2009

The Chamber’s narrow, radical agenda advocating for anti-worker, profit-focused solutions to the broken health care, labor, and environmental systems garnered them the most votes for the national Jobs with Justice “Scrooge of the Year” award.
Thousands of votes were cast in the Jobs with Justice annual contest to determine which greedy, cold-hearted organization or person deserves the title “Scrooge of the Year.” Voters chose the Chamber of Commerce as their winner this year as it’s became increasingly clear that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has developed into a front group for a few narrow interests, not a membership association that represents the voice of mainstream American businesses. The Chamber has spent millions of dollars lobbying against legislation that would benefit workers and families like the Employee Free Choice Act, health insurance reform, paid sick days, and environmental regulations. Their extreme positions have led some companies and local chapters of the Chamber to disaffiliate from the national group.

READ MORE

Monday, December 14, 2009

What FedEx Is Not Telling You About The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce: Out of Touch with the Public

by Seth Michaels, Sep 30, 2009


Here’s a proposal that makes sense: The Obama administration wants to set up a consumer financial protection agency to oversee the financial markets and make sure working families aren’t the victims of predatory lending, abusive credit card practices and the kind of irresponsibility and greed that have caused our economic crisis.

But the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is putting its big bucks into preventing creation of any agency that would hold financial institutions accountable.

Earlier this month, the Chamber announced it would spend $2 million on an ad campaign opposing a consumer protection agency, and it has taken the lead in lobbying Congress to prevent new rules for our financial system.

READ MORE CLICK HERE

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Teamsters Protect Canadian FedEx Workers

At the beginning of this organizing campaign the Teamsters promised that if any FedEx worker faced threats or intimidation as a result of his/her participation and/or support of the organizing drive we would file the appropriate charges against FedEx.

Accordingly, on December the 3rd, 2009 the Union felt that the company had broken Canadian Law by violating certain employee’s right to association and by doing so felt compelled to file Unfair Labour Practice charges against FedEx.

You can view the charges that were filed by clicking here.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Organizing Meeting At Local 952

DATE: SUNDAY, DEC.13,2009

TIME: 8:30-11:00 A.M.

PLACE: TEAMSTERS LOCAL 952
140 S. MARKS WAY, ORANGE

THE TIME TO ORGANIZE IS NOW!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

From Our FedEx Coworkers Website

Dear FedEx Coworker,

Please find attached letter that was sent to Senate majority and minority leaders by 35 Senators requesting to move the FAA reauthorization bill forward in the Senate. This is a great thing for us at FedEx Express as we await the US Senate's action on this bill. In concert or in response the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the FAA Reauthorization Bill on December 10th. We believe this is encouraging and serves to show that the process is still in motion for us. All of this activity will help in moving this bill one step closer to action on the Senate floor.

As we continue to look forward to passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill and eventual insertion of our Express Carrier Employee Protection language into the final bill it is imperative that we keep our coworkers informed of this progress and continue to sign our Express Carrier Employee Protection support cards. Signing these cards and returning them to Washington, D.C. will have great impact on our passage of our legislation. Don't let it be said that we did not help ourselves in the passage of our own legislation. Even though it seems like our legislators are moving ever so slowly, do not be discouraged. The passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill with our language contained will be a great victory for us, the workforce at FedEx Express and serve to reinstate our full rights to pursue our union. There are also items being considered by the National Mediation Board that could help all airline workers in their organizing efforts in the future.

Fraternally,

Your Organizing Committee for Change at FedEx Express

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

From The FedEx Watch Dogs
Thanks to all of you who have come to believe that organizing this company is the right thing to do.

Like Pat Reed said last week, “have faith in our future...” And I agree. Have faith in our future,as Teamsters!

Happy Thanksgiving

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Unity Speech May 3,2009

Rudy:

Good afternoon Brothers and Sisters of the Teamsters,
My name is Rudy Hernandez. Three years ago, Joe Nuno and I, along with a group of fellow employees started the Change FedEx to Win campaign.
Since we have started our campaign, we have witnessed firsthand how FedEx has harassed and intimidated pro-union employees. Between wrongful terminations and illegal anti-union meetings, it has become apparent that the FedEx management will stop at nothing to keep the union out of FedEx Freight.

This earnest attempt to keep the union out of FedEx Freight raises the question, why does this multi-billion dollar company so strongly oppose the Union.

The answer: corporate greed

FedEx has unfortunately fallen into the ever-so-popular corporate trend of the greed and carelessness which has brought the middle class to its current turmoil.
Just last month an office employee with 23 years of service lost her job. She was not offered another position with the company and with no real seniority in place she was out the door.

We are not seeking to hurt the rather deep pockets of Mr. Smith and we are not demanding ridiculous hikes in wages and healthcare benefits. We are faced with tough times and we realize that when the time comes for our union rep. to sit down with this company, it will be a bit of give and take on both sides.

All we are asking for is an opportunity to sit down and negotiate a fair and just contract in exchange for the years of dedication to this company.
Just as the employees of this company have come together to help a fellow uninsured part time dockworker pay for his medical bills, I ask, on behalf of the unrepresented FedEx employees, for your full support to help organize FedEx Freight.

Thank you for your time tonight, I hope you all have a great night.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Corporate Terrorism, Misinformed Driver, Union Buster?

Terrorism:the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion

This is a comment sent to the blog on Nov. 13,2009. If this is really a driver from the Phoenix area and really believes in what he says, then why not leave a name?
Rudy.

Anonymous said...

"United We Bargain! Divided We Beg". What a crock of horse dung that is!

It never ceases to amaze me how people fall for the crap the union tells them. How come you never see the union trying to organize the small mom and pop trucking companies? Becaue there is no money in it!

You think things are bad now? Just wait until the union takes over! Your Union "Brothers and Sisters" will make you think they love you. They don't. They just want your money so they can give it away to political candidates or organizations you may disagree with. You think the Union bosses don't play the same political games as the corporate heads? Wake up!

Have any of you even attempted to use the open door policy to get resolution to your problems? And I mean used it? Gone all the way up the ladder, or are you all a bunch of wimps just hiding behind the coat tails of a bully/ thug (union) to get your way? And who says you need to PAY the union to do this for you? If there are so many of you to fill a union hall, why not stage your own walk out (without the unions help?). Talk is cheap, action in the light of day is more expensive.

But then again, if you're so damn miserable at Fedex why don't you leave and go work for the financially troubled YRC,or ABF, or any of the other big Teamster companies...oh wait.... there aren't any. Hmmmm, what does that tell you! IBOT(sounds a lot like ROBOT) doesn't care a rats ass about you. All they want is your money.

They will tell you anything you want to hear, but never put it in writing. Promises made mean nothing unless they are in writing and can be enforced.

Back in the day, the union was useful. Today, they are just another corporate entity only worried about their self preservation. Ask how much the union bosses get paid while YOU walk a picket line. It sure as hell isn't anywhere near what the measly strike pay is that you'll have to feed your family on and pay your mortgage with!

Elections have consequences. Voting the union in may feel good in the beginning, but sooner or later you'll realize the HUGE mistake you made and you won't be able to change it without a massive legal effort. Ask the older drivers from OVERNITE about their struggle to RID THEMSELVES of the union.

Buyer beware! A fool and his money are easily parted.

This has been just a little advice from a former So Cal Viking now FedEx P&D driver who has been all over the system but is now in Phoenix.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Bare Knuckles Was There

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Large turnout. Very impressed. Motivational speakers. True Teamster support and pride in that room. Standing room only. Should have been an even larger turnout in my opinion. As the cheers and whistles and roars rang through the room, I couldn't help but notice the eyes of the dozens of FDXF drivers who spanned the room while true Teamsters were showing their support. You could see that they were inspired. I know this wasn't the first meeting but it was the first one that I witnessed. But from what I understand, it was the first one that was visited by heavy hitters from the IBT, who were there to assure the attendees, that they were about to kick off a campaign that was fully supported by not only the rank and file but national officers from the IBT it's self. I know that more drivers and dock workers would like to attend these meetings but they are concerned about retribution. I am here to say that Fed-Ex is not going to terminate anyone for bogus reasons, at this point. With all the negative press that Fred Smith has managed to cloud his empire with, it would be extremely foolish. They are in the spotlight for labor law violations, disputes with UPS over labor law classification. Threatening Boeing and members of Congress if Fred doesn't get his way with legislation that Fred doesn't agree with. Class action litigation involving it's employees etc. etc. DO YOU THINK FDXF NEEDS MORE LEGAL PROBLEMS, OR BAD PRESS??? Come on people, let's spill out into the parking lot next meeting and force the local to rent out a bigger facility for the next event, so all voices can be heard. Now is the time to show up in force. I met Joe and Rudy as well as several of the other guys. Their intentions are pure. They understand what this industries intentions are. They understand that without Teamster representation, their futures will on the short end of the tire thumper. Your brother always, BK.

LTL BOARDS.COM

Thursday, November 5, 2009

UNITED WE BARGAIN! DIVIDED WE BEG!

This Sunday’s meeting at 952 in Orange Ca. is an opportunity for all Southern Cal. FedEx employees to stand up and be counted. Let the IBT know that the time is now! That we need their help to make this company one of the strongest unionized company in the United States.

The organizers that are at your local terminals have brought us all to this moment. Now it’s up to the rest of us to take charge and ownership of this campaign!

It’s time to stop being cheerleaders and time for us all to be LEADERS!

UNITED WE BARGAIN! DIVIDED WE BEG!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Get Ready To Rumble !!

 
Posted by Picasa

A MUST ATTEND MEETING FOR ALL FEDEX FREIGHT AND NATIONAL EMPLOYEE'S.
YOU ALL ASKED WHEN. NOW IS THE TIME !!
FEEL FREE TO COPY AND HAND OUT TO EMPLOYEES AT YOUR SERVICE CENTER

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Freight Guy said...

A fellow FedEx Freight employee and a friend were injured on the job, after a period of time FedEx decided to yank his benefits (Health-Dental-Vision-Life ins). Said employee spoke with an attorney and the first question he was asked was "Are you in a Union), His reply was no and the attorney said that had he and others who had the same thing happen been organized then they would not have lost their Insurance but because they're not then FedEx can and always does eliminate whatever benefits they can as a way of saving a few bucks. And it's legal.

October 27, 2009 4:33 AM

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Our New Line Haul Look in SBO

Photobucket

A Letter From A Concerned Employee:

Rudy, I was a line haul driver for FedEx Express for a number of years in the late 80's early 90's. Without a Union we can expect the same thing here at Fedex Freight that happened to us at FedEx Express. I think it was 1993 when after years of company drivers having bid runs to and from the Hub locations, FedEx decided to farm out ALL the long haul trucking routes to M.S. Carriers, Ozark Motor Lines and Prime. Every line haul driver at every location in the U.S. lost his bid run. We all had to take jobs running back and forth from the aircraft ramp to the city stations. Sound familiar? We lost big money too. We were paid by the hour to run line haul. We also received one hour pay for every three hours that we were laid over in the hotel. It worked out to be about $75.00 a week in layover pay. There was none of this garbage of paying mileage. Mileage pay is simply a way for FedEx Freight to get out of paying overtime to it's drivers. If we as drivers do not act now and stand up against these practices we will all be out on the street soon.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Get Ready To Rumble !!

 
Posted by Picasa

A MUST ATTEND MEETING FOR ALL FEDEX FREIGHT AND NATIONAL EMPLOYEE'S.
YOU ALL ASKED WHEN. NOW IS THE TIME !!
FEEL FREE TO COPY AND HAND OUT TO EMPLOYEES AT YOUR SERVICE CENTER

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Gardena Rally 10-20-2009

Photobucket

THE TIME TO ORGANIZE IS NOW!

BE WISE AND ORGANIZE!

FedEx Faces Suits by States Claiming Labor Violations (Update2)

By Karen Freifeld and Laurence Viele Davidson

Oct. 20 (Bloomberg) -- A FedEx Corp. unit was threatened with lawsuits by New York, New Jersey and Montana accusing the company of violating state labor laws.

FedEx Ground Package System misclassifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, officials of the states said today in a letter to the unit of the second-largest U.S. package-shipping company.

Drivers spend thousands of dollars for their trucks, repairs, fuel and uniforms while FedEx Ground controls the hours they work, the way they dress and their ability to get work from anyone besides FedEx, they said. Drivers classified as independent contractors don’t receive workers’ compensation through the company, they said. Nor are they protected by anti- discrimination, labor and other laws.


READ MORE

Teamsters Applaud Attorneys General for Action on FedEx Ground's Illegal Driver Misclassification Scheme

October 20, 2009
Hoffa: Time for FedEx to Stop Dodging State Taxes, Worker Protections
Press Contact
Leigh Strope
lstrope@teamster.org
202-624-6911
(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union on Tuesday praised attorneys general in New York, Montana and New Jersey for putting FedEx Ground (NYSE:FDX) on notice that the company faces legal action for violating labor laws, including shifting tax obligations onto residents through an illegal driver misclassification scheme.

“FedEx Ground can’t get away with being a bully anymore, hiding behind its army of lobbyists to avoid responsibilities to workers and to American taxpayers,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “This is an issue of fairness. The laws of this country apply to everyone.”

Attorneys General Andrew Cuomo of New York, Steve Bullock of Montana and Anne Milgram of New Jersey sent a letter Tuesday to FedEx Ground warning the company that it faces legal action, including restitution, damages, civil penalties and other relief over its illegal misclassification of drivers.

“FedEx’s illegal misclassification of its drivers has resulted in a serious injustice to more than a thousand FedEx drivers in Montana, New Jersey and New York,” the letter said, also adding that “…besides hurting FedEx drivers, FedEx’s practices hurt the states of New Jersey, New York and Montana when proper taxes are not paid. FedEx’s practices also hurt other employers, which face unfair competition as a result of FedEx’s illegal cost-cutting measures.”

The three states found that FedEx Ground drivers are illegally misclassified as independent contractors, therefore denying them employment rights such as workers’ compensation benefits, anti-discrimination laws and wage and hour protections. FedEx Ground drivers are required to spend thousands of dollars for trucks, repairs, uniforms, fuel and other equipment. The company controls the hours they work, how they dress and when they drive their own trucks.

“FedEx Ground has been cheating its workers and fleecing the taxpayers for too long,” said Ken Hall, Teamsters International Vice President and Director of the Package Division. “Andrew Cuomo, Steve Bullock and Anne Milgram deserve credit for standing up to a powerful multinational that pads its profits by skirting state laws. Thanks to them, FedEx and its CEO Fred Smith won’t be allowed to profit from this scheme at the expense of its workforce and the American taxpayers.”

FedEx Ground is currently the subject of investigations by 30 other states over its misclassification scheme. Also, more than 45 class-action lawsuits have been filed against the company in state and federal courts over the issue.

Misclassification of employees not only cheats workers, but leads to the loss of federal income and employment tax revenue. It is estimated that more than $4.7 billion in federal income is lost due to this practice. At the state level, misclassifying 1 percent of workers results in an average of $198 million lost annually to state unemployment insurance funds.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

It Makes Sense

Everyone is negotiating a better deal right now… except you
Think about it. FedEx is out for the best deal for them. They negotiate with suppliers to get the lowest possible prices. They negotiate with customers to get the highest return they can for the services you deliver. And management negotiates with the company for rich compensation packages. Why shouldn’t you have the same right to negotiate with FedEx for the best deal for you and your family?
Right now, FedEx calls the shots. And you live with the consequences. You don’t need to look any further than what they’ve done with your pension plan for an example of the arbitrary power they wield. And they could make more cuts to your pay and benefits any time they want.
It just makes sense!

From Our Brothers and Sisters in Canada.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Wall Street vs. The Workers

Does FedEx management care more about impressing Wall Street analysts than taking care of their own employees?

They might. In their most recently quarterly earnings report, FedEx made sure to brag about the $3 billion in costs they’ve managed to wring out of their network over the last two years. But as FedEx workers well know, a lot of that $3 billion came from decimating worker pension plans, cutting pay, laying off workers and suspending the 401(k) match. Now, to the delight of the Wall Street analysts, FedEx is saying that only “50% of that will come back in terms of volume-related expenses … the other 50% will be permanent reductions from our cost structure going forward.” And the analysts loved it – “Nice job on the cost side,” one of them said. “Nice margin,” said another; “obviously you’ve done a lot with costs,” another glowed.

But how much of those ‘volume-related expenses’ are going to benefit the people who bore the burden of the cost cuts in the first place? While FedEx acknowledges that the 401(k) match and suspended merit pay will be part of the returning costs, they follow up that admission with a very lukewarm timetable: “That will just depend on how well we do here through the quarter, and going into early calendar ’10, on how we manage that. But we have more work to do on the cost side, and we’re getting more out every day.” And the analyst’s response? “Good.”

But with the company saving $205 million every year on that suspended 401(k) match, how eager will they be to reinstate it? How long is FedEx going to steal from your retirement security just to enhance its profit margins and impress Wall Street right now? Maybe it’s time to ask. After all, for a worker with 15 years left until retirement, every $1 the company doesn’t put into his 401(k) this year translates into about $2.40 lost at retirement age. At least Wall Street liked it.

Monday, October 12, 2009

FedEx Insurance Costs Going Up And Coverage Going Down

Dear Fellow FedEx Express Coworker:

We find ourselves once again faced with "open enrollment" time at FedEx Express for our insurance coverage.

Some of you might have received your packets from the company in the mail, heard what is being forced upon us at a benefits meeting or have just heard rumors of what news this year's October Surprise will bring.

It appears once again we are being given the opportunity to "pay more for less." Our costs will be going up and our coverage is diminishing. Depending on what plan you opt for and what insurances you sign on to, deductions from our paychecks will apparently go up yet again.

This is a frightening trend that has to stop.

Please find the attached flier which provides us with a more in-depth analysis of this FedEx Express insurance phenomenon...cost goes up and coverage goes down...there is no doubt that our benefits are being drained from us. There is little doubt that our company keeps passing more of the cost of our insurance off onto us. How can we stop it?

This trend leads us to only one conclusion: Until the work force at FedEx Express has a say in the insurance phenomenon, we will continue to pay more for less.

This leaves us only one solution: Form a union with the Teamsters and solidify our benefit costs and coverage in a written agreement that cannot be changed without our approval.

Help us distribute the attached two-sided flier to our FedEx Express coworkers throughout the nation. We ask that you take part in this nationwide action by talking to your coworkersabout this costly and unfair insurance trend and say "Stop the Benefit Bleed" at FedEx Express. We ask that you help to put FedEx Express on notice that the trend of "pay more and get less" is not acceptable.

Don't let another October pass you by without a say in our insurance coverage and cost. Distribute the attached flier to our coworkers and help us pass our legislation.

Our legislation, the Express Carrier Employee Protection Act, will properly classify the employees of FedEx Express under the appropriate labor laws and will help to return our true rights of Freedom of Association.

Sign and return a Support Express Carrier Employee Protection Card today. Cards are available on our website www.FedxMx.com, or from an organizer. Your signed cards will be hand delivered to Senate offices showing your support for passage of our legislation.

"Stop the Benefit Bleed."

Fraternally,
Your Organizing Committee for Change at FedEx Express

Our website: www.fedxmx.com

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Meet A Union Buster Who FedEx Has Hired

This is another example of what FedEx will do to stop an organizing drive:

Pete Webster
Senior Field HR Manager at HMSHost

Greater Los Angeles Area


Pete Webster’s Specialties:
In addition to being a retired Military Police Commander in the US Army MP Corps, I also provided civilian companies like UPS, FedEx, Alcoa, and the University of California, Irvine, with leadership in recruiting, employment law, employee relations, policy administration, organizational development, succession planning, salary administration, union avoidance, contract negotiating, employee training, and web design.

*Employee Terminations and Reductions In Force Support

Regional HR Manager
FedEx Ground
(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; FDX; Package/Freight Delivery industry)

January 2000 — July 2001 (1 year 7 months)

Hired by FedEx to administer policies, set up procedures, and staff twenty-two new facilities in nine states on the East Coast. Recruited 65 management positions and 500 independent contractors; authored the recruiting presentations in nine states; all sites opened on schedule. Prepared recruiting budgets, retention reports, and handled all employee relation issues for twenty-two terminals. Represented FedEx for legal hearings in nine states. Influenced corporate culture with a new management team. Was engaged to oversee all recruiting and HRIS data in my division for the East Coast. Conducted union avoidance training at all locations. Rolled out all internal communications for a multi-billion dollar FedEx division.


Resource:www.linkedin.com/pub/pete-webster/3/71b/187

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Should you be approached by FedEx union-buster

First Corporate shows you an anti-union video on how the union will invade your life and that the union will be after your union dues. Then Corporate started slashing full time dockworkers into part time workers and taking their full benefits away, and still Corporate has the nerves to tell you we don't need the union. Next Corporate started slashing our Line drivers, and putting them into our docks while the junior drivers runs the prime runs, and also slapping our line drivers in the face by allowing outside scab carriers taking their work away, and Corporate stills tells you line drivers we don't need a union!. Now Corporate invades your home by sending you a post card and telling you folks that the unions are unnecessary at FedEx Freight and FedEx national LTL. Let me tell you something FedEx Corporate you have invaded our homes and have created animosity and confliction between family members who are in unions. Some of us are spouses of union jobs, or our fathers and mothers are members of unions and also brothers and sisters are members of unions. Corporate how do you think family members feel about FedEx now when you come into our home and insult them? Some of these members of unions put food on your tables because you haul their freight, way to go Corporate.

Joe Nuno

Thursday, October 1, 2009

CANADA FEDEX CAMPAIGN UPDATE.IS FEDEX HAVING ANTI-UNION MEETINGS?

Teamsters Canada is receiving reports that in some areas FedEx may be conducting anti-union one on one and/or group meetings that are designed to scare their own employees. There are reports that meetings might have even been held with casual employees telling them that unionizing will cost them their jobs.

If such meetings are taking place they may be illegal and against the Canada Labour Code. If this has happened to you please contact us by visiting the file a complaint section on the website.

Don't Let FedEx Scare You!

"FedEx pilots become highest paid"

From: "Stephen Irwin"
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2006 03:32:52 -0500

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

FedEx Pilots Accept Contract
The Associated Press


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Pilots for FedEx Express have approved a new, four-year
work contract, the company and the pilots' union announced Tuesday.

The cargo airline's 4,700 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots
Association, began voting on the contract last month.

Almost 95 percent of the pilots voting on the work agreement approved it,
the announcement said.

"FedEx Express and ALPA have worked tirelessly over the last two years to
reach what we all believe is a competitive and mutually beneficial
contract," said David J. Bronczek, president and chief executive of the
largest division of Memphis-based FedEx Corp.

Pilots will get a 9 percent pay increase when the contract takes effect Oct.
30, with 3 percent raises scheduled for the next three years, said union
spokesman Scott Sherrin.

During contract negotiations, FedEx said an average company pilot earned
more than $175,000 a year. The union said that figure was inflated but
declined to give a number of its own.

Pay varies according to aircraft size, pilot experience and other variables,
and Sherrin said the union was unsure what formula FedEx used to estimate
average pay.

"There is no average pilot," he said.

A 15-year captain of a big, wide-body cargo jet is paid about $206 an hour
for flight time, while the co-pilot of a smaller plane draws about $106 an
hour, Sherrin said.

The new contract also includes improvements in retirement pay, health care
and job security, the union said.

"With their vote today, our pilots have approved a contract that
acknowledges their continued hard work in maintaining FedEx's leading
position in the industry," said Captain David Webb, union chairman at FedEx.

See what can be done with some bargaining power ! What are you waiting for ? Get to a organizing meeting or contact a Teamsters local in your area. If you need help finding one let me help. You are not only!

FEDEX CONTEMPLATES COST OF UNION DUES VS PIZZAS

Ex management is considering setting up an “Employee to Employee” website including a “union dues calculator“ that would show how many pizzas he/she could buy by not having to pay union dues, according to reliable sources.

FedEx thinks of everything except that if they paid 100% of their employee pensions and benefits their workers would come out ahead by $600 - $1,400 a year and that would include union dues deductions. Those workers would also enjoy another benefit of being ahead 40 – 100 pizzas a year without taking another bite out of their pay cheques!

From The FedEx Canada Organizing Website STRONGER TOGETHER

Monday, September 28, 2009

Second Week of the FedEx Organizing Campaign

Teamsters Canada's organizing team is beginning its second week of the FedEx organizing campaign.

It began on September 14 at twenty terminals of the small parcel delivery company.

"The organizing team has put together an efficient, professional campaign and I congratulate them on their excellent

work," said Michael Crawford, Teamsters Canada's organizing director. "We are starting the second part of this operation with confidence."

The www.fedexworkers.org and www.campagnefedex.org websites had hundreds of visitors during the first few days of the campaign, a clear sign that the FedEx workers want to learn more about the benefits the Teamsters Union has to offer them.

This week the two websites feature answers to questions frequently asked by future members, such as how the Teamsters Union can protect what workers have already acquired and about the union dues.

In addition, Teamsters Canada has launched a Facebook group called "FedEx Teamsters Canada" to keep workers abreast of the latest developments—in real time.

"The tools are in place, the organizers are talking with the future members of this great union and the response from workers has been excellent," added Mike Crawford. "FedEx workers are going to discover that the Teamsters Union doesn't just talk. We deliver too!"



The Teamsters Union represents 125,000 members in Canada in all trades. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America.



-30-


Information:
Stéphane Lacroix, Director of Communications, Teamsters Canada

Our Time Is Coming Soon People And The Company Will Be Starting Their Anti-Union Campaign Also! Check Your Mail Boxes !!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Roadway Management Violates Contract

I had a conversation with a Roadway driver and the topic of PT drivers at their terminal lately. He said that the employees (the union) there found out that the company was using outside drivers to do local deliveries in the low desert. Some dockworkers (the union) noticed that freight was loaded for one Roadway driver and the overflow was given to the outside carrier, cutting about three company drivers (union drivers).
This was a violation of their contract so a grievance was filed and the employee's (the union) prevailed!
Roadway had to recall furlough drivers and had to pay the drivers who lost work because of the outside carriers. Six weeks of pay per driver who were affected by Roadway’s mismanagement.

You see that this just doesn’t happen at FedEx only, it happens everywhere. But with a union in the workplace employees can come together and right the wrong that a company does to its employee’s. That is why this petition is so important to sign. Under the NRLB what FedEx is doing is undermining the work force during a known organizing campaign which is a “Violation” The amount of outside carriers coming into SBO alone has increased.

THE TIME TO FORM A UNION IS NOW!

BE WISE AND ORGANIZE!

The Petition Click Here

Thursday, September 17, 2009

FedEx Says 'No' to Union Busting

Submitted by teamstersadmin on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 12:10.

In a surprising change from the standard practice of their U.S.-based parent company, FedEx Canada President David Binks has acknowledged FedEx workers right to join the Teamsters Union in Canada.

In a September 15, 2009 memo to FedEx Express Canada employees he promises there will be no “threats or reprisals” against employees who choose to sign a Teamsters Union card.

Assuming President Binks means what he says….this is a huge victory for Canadian FedEx workers at this early stage of the Teamsters organizing campaign. Now everyone at FedEx Canada can feel free to sign a union card without the usual intimidation and scare tactics companies routinely use to block organizing campaigns south of the border.

But just in case this sounds too good to be true you can help us keep FedEx honest in Canada by reporting any threats, intimidation or other anti-union activities by visiting the our File a Complaint section.

A Better Deal For FedEx


Click here to read Mr. Binks memo

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Here's My Spin Russ Of SBO

Negotiations between the Office staff and Teamsters are over now. The Office staff employee’s have accepted a new 5 year contract, 117 yes to 1 no.

If this was a perfect world we would have not started this organizing drive 3 years ago. Times are hard these days all over the U.S., but at least the office staff is able to bargain and negotiate a fair contract that even the opposite side can agree on.

What bargaining power or options do you have Road Driver, Local Driver, Dockworker or even Office employee of FedEx Freight ?

Or should I say “at-will” employee? Don’t you wish you could have the bargaining power to negotiate a fair contract? To keep your seniority and job title intact? Keep your full time status? And still have medical benefits?

You can! Get involved in “Forming” a union at your terminal now!
What we lose today, we’ll have to negotiate back tomorrow!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

F.Y.I.

Management has been saying that only 4% of our shipments go to Purchase Transports which is less then what Union carriers uses. Which they say that under the "Master Freight Contract" is 25%.
This is once again misinformation to keep you from knowing the truth. So here is what the contract says:

Pages 42 and 43 talk about limits on Purchase transportion. Which is used when all possible work is covered by company Members First.

For the rest of 2009: 4.5%

For the calender years 2010: 6.5%
2011: 7.0%
and 2012: 9%

So Beware of the Wizards of FedEx !


Friday, September 4, 2009

P.T. Scabbing At FedEx Freight

All P.T carriers are scabbing your work, what are you going to do about it? Sit there and surrender your Rights and Power, or decide to built your committee and arrange meetings at your nearest Teamster local. All I know we the P & D drivers pick up freight for you linehaul drivers to work and not for those Scab interline carriers.Don't give Corporate the glory of them screwing you guys out of work. Corporate see that no one is going to do anything about it, so why not fight with us 35% of employees for Unionism. Don't let management like Santiago Rios Jr state that it is cheaper to hired outside carriers than union drivers. If I was there that day I would push those other drivers who heard Jr.Rios to file a NRLB charge against FedEx Corporate for allowing Jr. Rios to act as agent for the company and admitting that cutting linehaul work to P.T SCABS is becase of Union activities. Now that is a Federal violation of the NRLA, is an act of retalation of the company because of our union activities.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

YRC Worldwide secures key $950M credit amendment

NEW YORK (AP) -- YRC Worldwide Inc. said Monday it has amended a $950 million credit agreement with lenders, another critical step in the company's struggle to avoid a possible bankruptcy filing.

The news sent shares soaring in aftermarket trading. The stock gained 33 cents, or 14.8 percent, to $2.56. It lost 14 cents, or 5.9 percent, in the regular session to close at $2.23.

The company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that JPMorgan Chase Bank, among other lenders, will continue to provide YRC with a $950 million senior revolving credit facility, including portions available for borrowing and for letters of credit, and a senior term loan of about $111.5 million.

The credit agreement amendment suspends the requirement that the company maintain liquidity of $100 million at all times.

The company has amended other credit agreements, sold real estate, cut thousands of jobs and trimmed wages among existing workers to stay afloat.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/YRC-Wo....html?x=0&.v=1

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

TEAMSTERS CALL FOR INDEPENDENT BOARD CHAIR AT FEDEX; URGE INVESTOR SUPPORT

August 31, 2009

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters today asked shareholders of FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) to support the union’s proposal for an independent board chairman at FedEx’s upcoming annual meeting.

In a letter to shareholders, Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer C. Thomas Keegel said that Frederick W. Smith’s dual role as chairman and chief executive of FedEx has resulted in a CEO-dominated board incapable of providing the rigorous, independent oversight of management that investors require. FedEx’s annual meeting will be September 28 in Memphis, Tennessee.

“FedEx’s lack of independent board leadership, compromised board independence and effectiveness, chronic poor performance, excessive executive pay, and questionable business strategies underscore the urgent need for an independent chairman to lead FedEx’s board in holding management accountable and providing strategic oversight and guidance,” Keegel said.


Read More Click Here

Friday, August 28, 2009

Welcome Home

WELCOME HOME JAYCEE FROM Your VIKING FAMILY LTLBOARDS.com AND CHANGE FEDEXTOWIN.COM

Well Wishes And Comments To Dugard Family Welcome.

( all comments are moderated.)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Teamsters Mourn Passing of Ted Kennedy

August 26, 2009

The thoughts and prayers of 1.4 million Teamsters are with the Kennedy family today as the nation mourns the passing of one of the most influential lawmakers in American history.

“Ted Kennedy will stand as an inspiration to generations of Americans as a progressive icon. It’s rare for someone born into such privilege to be so concerned about the plight of working people, but Kennedy was such a person,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President.


Sen. Ted Kennedy attends a Teamster demonstration led by then-director of the Teamsters Safety and Health Department, R.V. Durham, on truck cab safety problems in 1978.

Kennedy was one of a few lawmakers always willing to tackle the truly difficult issues head on. His combination of political savvy, intelligence and empathy allowed him to effect more change in this country than even presidents can hope to accomplish.

Upon his death, Kennedy was chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Kennedy left an indelible mark on many aspects of American life. He championed progressive legislation on labor, health care, education, civil rights, immigration, welfare and many others. A common theme among his pet issues was to ensure that all Americans have the chance to live and work with dignity.

“Despite the long shadows of tragedy that hung over his life, Ted never allowed that to cloud his vision of a better America,” Hoffa said. “He cared deeply about the issues of working Americans, and his most cherished soapbox was health care reform.

“Kennedy’s willingness to reach across the political divide to find common ground with his opponents should be an inspiration to lawmakers struggling with health care reform today,”



Tuesday, August 25, 2009

FedEx Helps Advance Organizing Drive Move Forward

Hugo was asked to take a turn from San Bernardino to Gardena and back. He is a driver from our Gardena terminal. He had already been on the clock for 8 hours, including lunch.

When asked to go, he told Alex, a supervisor from SBO that he was very tired and if they were going to send him back to his domicile, he would take the trailers that clc wanted him to move to Gardena, but that he was fatigue and did not want to return to SBO.

So Alex said he would be back to check on what clc wanted to do. When he returned, he asked Hugo for his tractor keys and said the he was done. Hugo asked Alex what he was to do about getting back to his domicile in Gardena. Alex told Hugo that “he was on his own”!

So Hugo had to call his son at 3 o’clock in the morning to pick him up!
Now this company preaches that, as drivers we need to be fit, alert and ready to go. “Safety First.” Right! Here you have an employee with many years of service and explained that he was fatigued after a long night on the dock. He was not disrespectful to his superior and was up front on how he was feeling “safety first”.

Now you have someone hundreds of miles away making a decision on someone’s safety and well being. Someone who most likely is just sitting on his ass, maybe someone who has never worked the dock before and whose hardest decisions at work is to decide “do I want sugar & cream, in my latte?”

If this is not a good example of why we need to "FORM" a union here at FedEx, then all of you who say "No" deserve what this company will do to you!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Dear President Obama: A Modest Medicare Proposal

Dear President Obama,

I understand you're thinking of dumping your "public option" because of all the demagoguery by Sarah Palin and Dick Armey and Newt Gingrich and their crowd on right-wing radio and Fox. Fine. Good idea, in fact.

Instead, let's make it simple. Please let us buy into Medicare.

It would be so easy. You don't have to reinvent the wheel with this so-called "public option" that's a whole new program from the ground up. Medicare already exists. It works. Some people will like it, others won't - just like the Post Office versus FedEx analogy you're so comfortable with.

Just pass a simple bill - it could probably be just a few lines, like when Medicare was expanded to include disabled people - that says that any American citizen can buy into the program at a rate to be set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which reflects the actual cost for us to buy into it.

So it's revenue neutral!

To make it available to people of low income, raise the rates slightly for all currently non-eligible people (like me - under 65) to cover the cost of below-200%-of-poverty people. Revenue neutral again.

Most of us will do damn near anything to get out from under the thumbs of the multi-millionaire CEOs who are running our current insurance programs. Sign me up!

This lets you blow up all the rumors about death panels and grandma and everything else: everybody knows what Medicare is. Those who scorn it can go with Blue Cross. Those who like it can buy into it. Simplicity itself.

Of course, we'd like a few fixes, like letting Medicare negotiate drug prices and filling some of the holes Republicans and AARP and the big insurance lobbyists have drilled into Medicare so people have to buy "supplemental" insurance, but that can wait for the second round. Let's get this done first.

Simple stuff. Medicare for anybody who wants it. Private health insurance for those who don't. Easy message. Even Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley can understand it. Sarah Palin can buy into it, or ignore it. No death panels, no granny plugs, nothing. Just a few sentences.

Replace the "you must be disabled or 65" with "here's what it'll cost if you want to buy in, and here's the sliding scale of subsidies we'll give you if you're poor, paid for by everybody else who's buying in." (You could roll back the Reagan tax cuts and make it all free, but that's another rant.)

We elected you because we expected you to have the courage of your convictions. Here's how. Not the "single payer Medicare for all" that many of us would prefer, but a simple, "Medicare for anybody who wants to buy in."

Respectfully,

Thom Hartmann

Friday, August 14, 2009

United We Bargain Divided We Beg

Comment from www.ltlboards.com:

Listen to the WISDOM of Rudedog, he is showing you the right path to a solution to get up and stand up for your rights, let your voice be heard, form and organize a union together. See the KNOWLEDGE of what a union can do for you and others, with education of our labor rights we are able to show others and open up their eyes. Once you attained the KNOWLEDGE of unionism you can sit in the round table and help negotiate a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Now when you really UNDERSTAND what a union can DO you have the power to take control and DO the right thing using your Laws, and that law as I UNDERSTAND is the U.S Constitution, the Law of the land to form a union...Now if you don't UNDERSTAND the WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE here then you will always be WONDERING why, what if, what can I do now, but how?. You will always be trapped in dead zone, with no future, always from the neck down.

Joe Nuno

Friday, August 7, 2009

Doug The Union Buster

This morning's meeting in SBO included 2 DVDs with corporate leaders. In one segment Doug Duncan mentioned that ' unions are attempting to hurt FedEx and they are changing the rules, to make this happen. He also said, ' FedEx doesn't want to deal with a 3rd party.'

So with these statements when he says, “FedEx doesn't want to deal with a third party”. Who is the 3rd party? Most likely Doug means the “Union”.

Websters Dictionary definition of 'Union' is:
“An organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer.”

So when Douglas says, FredEx doesn't want to deal with a 3rd party' & the Union wants to hurt FedEx. He means Fredex doesn't want to deal with you fdx employee! And you want to hurt the company!

Now who's hostile and disengaged?

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Organizing Meeting At Local 952

There will be a meeting this month

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009

Time: 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Place: Teamster Local 952
140 S. Marks Way,Orange Ca.92868

Be A Part Of Forming A Union At Your Terminal

Sunday, August 2, 2009

FedEx Ground Drivers Win Group Status in Eight States (Update1)

By Laurence Viele Davidson

July 28 (Bloomberg) -- FedEx Corp. must face more state class-action lawsuits by contract drivers who claim they deserve benefits because the company treats them as full-time workers by mandating their clothing, hours and prices, a judge said.

U.S. District Judge Robert Miller in South Bend, Indiana, yesterday granted drivers’ request to sue as groups on behalf of workers in Arizona, Georgia, Ohio, Utah, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina and Oregon. In the same ruling, Miller denied similar requests by drivers in Colorado, Connecticut and Vermont as well as claims that some of the lawsuits should cover all such FedEx drivers in the U.S.

READ MORE

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Tracking the freight? Warning!

While the meetings in California rage onward with some progress made, a small issue will bring HUGE attention to the employees. Some of the Lordsburg, NM drivers were tracked by GPS and written up, and all the others were warned with a notice attached to their pay checks.
Two of the drivers allegedly stopped for more than 10 minutes for their break acording to management.

THE BIG LIE

We all were told that the GPS is for tracking the customers freight, nothing more. As you can see these guys in corporate have no problem using the GPS against you. Why do you think that management would lie so blatantly?

These are heartless puppets who can care less about you or your safety. they speak of safety, but when it comes down to it, they would much rather write you up

Management if you have not figured it out YALL all are pathetic..

Fed Up Fred From The "ltlboards.com" website
__________________

Friday, July 24, 2009

Send A Message

There will be some paid meeting( most likely anti-union ) this weekend in SBO and WHT terminals. If you are really tired of this companies radical changes and policies send them a real hard message by not showing up! This will let them know of our disapproval!
Because seriouly people, most of you have heard the latest road cd and they have told you straight out that there are only 25 percent of " disengaged employees". Show Arkansas they are wrong!

Funny how they will pay us to hear their Bull Shit. But won't pay us delay time pay. Where it really count!

Soladarity works my friends. Back in '06 when they got wind of our organizing they had meetings with p&d in FTA and were fishing for info on the organizing and everyone was told to just push the topics of pension and top of scale, thats it. And in the end the top of scale went up to the rates of WHT! You can Thank your p&d drivers for that one.

Now its your turn Line Haul!

Step up to the plate!
Don't throw another "Blue Monday

LETTER TO EDITOR: Rules apply to FedEx

Monday, July 13, 2009


Your editorial "The fate of FedEx" (Opinion, Thursday) mischaracterizes a House amendment to Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization. The bill is now before the Senate.

You describe the House amendment as a measure that would apply "only to FedEx Express." This suggests that the House singled out FedEx Express for unfair treatment -- an interpretation that is exactly backward.


Read The Full Editorial

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Organizing Meeting In Rialto, Ca.

There will be an meeting this weekend:

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Place: Teamster Local 63
323 Valley Blvd., Rialto Ca.92376

The Decision To Organize Is Ours, Not FedEx's!!
It's Your Future. Get Involved And Make A Difference!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Great Meeting This Weekend

This weekends meeting was a huge success. Thanks to all the employees who showed up with great questions and concerns.Thanks also to Local 952 for putting on a great informative meeting!

To those who were in attendence heres something to think about. With the amount of people who attended this past weekends meeting and the positive reaction for organizing this company. We could have organized one terminal in the west coast that day!

The FedEx Watch Dogs

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Activists want Kettleman industrial plans halted

Published online on Wednesday, Jul. 08, 2009
By Eddie Jimenez / The Fresno Bee

Activists said Wednesday that Kings County should halt industrial development around Kettleman City until it investigates concerns that pollution has caused a rash of birth defects and infant deaths.

READ MORE CLICK HERE

Five of 20 babies born in the area over a 14-month period that ended in late 2008 had birth defects, including four with cleft palates, the activists said. Three died, they said.

And FedEx wants our families to more here!!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Jr. Rios Slaps Employees In The Face ...

In todays meeting in SBO Russ was explaining the"change of operations" happening here. When the topic of PT operators came up and why the company was using them. Jr. Rios said, " it would be cheaper than using the Union."

Well there it was in plain english fedex employee! The company would rather pay someone else less to do your job, ie the "employee" who are
the "Union"

Hope you enjoyed that slap in the face!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Changes Are Coming To Your Terminal Soon ...

In tonights meeting In Fontana, it was annouced that out of 39 runs at this service center, there will only be 17,starting next month.The other 22 drivers will become shuttle drivers.And the longer runs will go to outside carriers.

The Time To Oganize Is Now!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Organizing Meetings In SoCal ..

There will be two meetings this month:

Date: Sunday,July 12, 2009

Time: 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Place: Teamster Local 952
140 S. Marks Way,Orange Ca.92868

And,

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Place: Teamster Local 63
323 Valley Blvd., Rialto Ca.92376

The Decision To Organize Is Ours, Not FedEx's!!
It's Your Future. Get Involved And Make A Difference!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Help Us Help You

How?
It's obvoius the situation at Fedex Freight isn't getting better,indeed ,with each passing day it's getting worse.
We all know that something must be done to restore and insure that our basic rights,respect and dignity are guaranteed in the corporate world that appears bent on taking them away from us.
The Teamsters are positioning themselves to address the situation with Fedex.However, they need your support.Remember if you aren't at the table you're on the menu.
And,yes it's a numbers game;the more we indicate to the Teamsters that we intend to organize to have our rights and working conditions regulated by a contract the more motivated the Teamsters will be to pursue those goals.
Here's how we can help you.
Realizing that not everyone can or wants to be on the front lines of the effort,we never the less need your support. If you support the organizing efforts at Fedex Freight but wish to remain anonymous communicate with me.I'll forward your name to a Teamster organizer who will contact you with further information about organizing,information on what a contract will mean and,most importantly,dispell rumors that abound about the Teamsters.Most importantly,it will indicate your desire to be treated fairly with a negotiated contract and restore sanity and stability to our workplace and personal lives.
If you will forward your name,telephone number and terminal(service center) to me I'll forward it to the appropriate Teamster's representative or office (Local) who will contact you concerning your questions and level of support while allowing you to remain anonymous.
I will not add your identity to any data base.I will,with your permission, include you on my e-mail list.
That's it. All you have to do is communicate.

Frank Zunt
imfrankiez@verizon.net

Rudy Hernandez
changefedextowin@yahoo.co

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Catholic Scholars Support Employee Free Choice Act

by Seth Michaels, Jun 29, 2009


A group of leading Catholic scholars is adding their voices to the coalition supporting the Employee Free Choice Act.

Organized by Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice, dozens of religious leaders, professors and scholars from a wide variety of institutions have signed on to a statement in support of the Employee Free Choice Act and the freedom of workers to form unions and bargain. This diverse group of Catholic thinkers agrees that our broken system needs new law to protect these basic workers’ rights.

Employee Free Choice is “rooted in and supported by” Catholic social teaching, these religious scholars note in their statement:

The Magisterium of the Catholic Church recognizes “the fundamental role played by labor unions, whose existence is connected with the right to form associations or unions to defend the vital interests of workers employed in the various professions.” Indeed, the Catholic Church holds that unions “are a positive influence for social order and solidarity, and are therefore an indispensible element of social life.”


Our current law, they agree, denies workers their basic freedom to form unions and bargain, and we need new law that ensures that key decisions about forming unions are in the hands of workers, where they belong.

These Catholic scholars are part of a strong and growing coalition of religious leaders and faith groups that supports the Employee Free Choice Act.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

"UNINSURED EMPLOYEES"

We were asked to add a link for our "UNINSURED" employees. This will make a statement to our show management
that the people who lost benefits are not just a number. These employees had their benifits ripped out from underneath them. This is also for the employees who wish to
support the "UNINSURED" employees by wearing them.

http://www.uninsuredwristband.com/

Thank to www.ltlboards.com for this link.


The FedEx Watch Dogs

Friday, June 19, 2009

A Letter To Congress And U.S Senate From Rep.Linda Sanchez

Dear Colleague,

In December 2008, I proudly served on a Blue Ribbon Commission Panel convened to hear
testimony on the struggle to keep FedEx jobs in the Los Angeles area in the middle class. What I
learned from workers, economic experts, clergy, and community leaders was that FedEx has
systematically eroded its workers wages, insurance and retirement benefits to the point where
workers are now on the brink of falling out of the middle class.
The Blue Ribbon Commission Panel learned of how difficult it is for a FedEx worker employed
full-time to pay for health coverage costs for his family. The costs go up while the coverage
goes down. We learned that FedEx changed worker retirement plans which resulted in
individual losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement income to many workers.
Even if employees work longer and retire later, they will still end up with less money. We
learned that FedEx routinely retaliates against and intimidates its workers who are attempting to
form a union. We learned how FedEx manipulated federal law in 1996 to strip the FedEx
Express workers of their right to freedom of association and make it harder for the workers to
orgamze.
After hearing and compiling all of the compelling testimony, the Blue Ribbon Commission Panel
is now issuing this report with our recommendations on how to keep FedEx jobs in Los Angeles
in the middle class. Our recommended course of action includes calling on FedEx to become
neutral and allow the workers to unionize if they so choose and for Congress to approve
legislation that would return the FedEx workers rights to freedom of association by eliminating
the 1996 "FedEx Special Deal" so workers may exercise their rights to unionize ifthey want to.
I believe this report will be as eye-opening to you as the testimony was to us, and I encourage
you to take some time during the upcoming weeks to read it.

Sincerely,
Linda T. Sanchez
Member of Congress

The Full Blue Ribbon Report Click Here

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

You Asked For An Answer...

"Could you please explain how the central states fund is doing? How much money is left? Who's hand is in the cookie jar?"

Thanks
3rd Floor


If you have any questions about the finances of the Teamsters Central States Pension Fund, I would recommend that you read the quarterly reports of the Independent Special Counsel that monitors the fund’s activities under the Fitzimmons consent decree. Here’s a link for the most recent report:
https://www.centralstatesfunds.org/CSF/Pdf/Arbitration_Letters/6-1-2009-1st2009.pdf

On page 4 of this report, the independent special counsel noted that the “…vast majority of the Fund’s active members were covered by collective bargaining agreements that have come into compliance with the Fund’s rehabilitation plan. Almost all of the compliant employers and bargaining units have agreed to adopt the rehabilitation plan’s Primary Schedule (generally requiring 7-8%annual contribution increases for five years and maintaining current benefit levels.)

On page 5, he notes that, “Although it thus appears the Pension Fund has reported progress in securing increased employer contributions and controlling benefits as required of “critical status” plans under the PPA, (the Pension Protection Act of 2006) the financial information presented below also makes clear that the Fund has suffered serious investment losses in the general stock market and economic downturn that occurred during 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.”

Finally, the response to your question is on page 8: “The financial report prepared by Fund staff for the three months ending March 31, 2009 shows net assets as of that date of $15,664,384,000.

It is clear to anybody who doesn’t have an ax to grind that there is no criminal “hand is in the cookie jar.” The CSPF is certainly in financial trouble, like many multi-employer Taft-Hartley benefit funds. But the trustees who direct its investments are complying with all legal requirements to protect the pensions of workers.

THE FEDEX WATCH DOGS

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Campaign Against Rival Could Haunt FedEx

June 10, 2009
By Stephanie Clifford, NY Times


The word bailout has gone from descriptive to derogatory.

The FedEx-sponsored Web site

BrownBailout.com

(brown is both U.P.S.’s color and nickname) says that U.P.S. is “quietly seeking a Congressional bailout designed to limit competition for overnight deliveries.” Along with a “bailout-o-meter” showing U.P.S.’s revenue, and a spoof of a U.P.S. commercial, the site includes statements like, “This is a bailout, plain and simple, and the American people won’t stand for it.

The real issue here is not government-supplied cash for U.P.S., but the labor laws under which U.P.S. and FedEx are classified.

The House recently approved a bill that reclassified a FedEx division, making it easier for unions to form there, and FedEx is fighting that legislation as it goes to the Senate. In effect, FedEx is claiming that passage of the bill would be a bailout for U.P.S. by hampering a competitor.

FedEx’s casting of a labor-law dispute as a bailout has raised ire at U.P.S. and at the Teamsters union, which said on Tuesday that it planned to respond with its own public relations campaign.

Some advertising experts said FedEx was putting its own brand at risk by so aggressively attacking a competitor and accusing U.P.S. of taking a federal bailout.

“Hinging so much of this — even the site itself and the URL name — to a bailout brings some pretty significant risks,” said Scott Elser, a partner in LaunchPad Advertising, which is not working with either company. “It’s arguably one of the most controversial terms that you can define in politics today. They draw you there based on that, and you don’t have to surf very long to realize that this is clearly not a bailout as most consumers and business people would define it, which is writing a check to a troubled business.”

“It’s a little bit of a bait and switch,” Mr. Elser said, which “has the ability to potentially harm their brand.”

FedEx is objecting to a provision in a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that the House passed in May. The legislation would classify nonairline employees from FedEx’s Express division, which makes overnight deliveries, under the National Labor Relations Act rather than the Railway Labor Act, which currently governs Express as well as airlines and railroads. The reclassification would make it easier to unionize the division, since N.L.R.A. unions are allowed to form at a company’s individual sites; under the railway act, unions need national support from a majority of a company’s workers.

U.P.S., which is heavily unionized, is governed under the N.L.R.A. And it has been lobbying to get its competitor’s Express division classified under that act.

“FedEx is appearing to spend millions of dollars to try to convince Congress that a FedEx driver delivering a package is different from a U.P.S. driver delivering a package,” said Malcolm Berkley, a U.P.S. spokesman.

Mr. Berkley said it was a competitive issue for U.P.S. “FedEx Express uses the fact of the labor law it is currently under inappropriately as a lever when talking to U.P.S. customers, particularly when we’re negotiating our contracts,” he said.

FedEx’s labeling of the legislation as a bailout was wrong, he said.

“There’s clearly no way we’re seeking a bailout. In fact, what we’re doing is working to eliminate an earmark that has been given to FedEx for some years,” he said.

Executives from the Teamsters, which represents 240,000 U.P.S. workers, also said the bailout campaign was misleading.

“It is just the height of hypocrisy for them to allege that there is a bailout of their competitor, when in fact, it’s the company, it’s FedEx, who has benefited from this misclassification of their workers,” said Ken Hall, international vice president and director of the package division at the Teamsters. “It’s laughable to think that they would portray this as some bailout. This is simply leveling the playing field.”

While Mr. Berkley said U.P.S. was not planning a campaign in response, the Teamsters would, Mr. Hall said.

“Particularly, it’s going to be a grass-roots and an educational program to make sure that those folks in Congress truly understand the issue.”

FedEx, meanwhile, has been arguing that the different classification makes sense, since its roots and ways of doing business are different from those of U.P.S. “Our company and U.P.S. are fundamentally different companies,” said Maury Lane, director of communications at FedEx. “They aren’t and shouldn’t be regulated the same way.”

As for the bailout characterization, “that piece of legislation only helps one company while hurting a main competitor — if that’s not a bailout, we’re going to have to redefine the word,” he said.

Late last year, FedEx’s chief executive, Frederick W. Smith, signaled the company would fight hard against any potential legislation.

“We’ve said repeatedly that it is extremely bad public policy,” Mr. Smith said in a conference call with investors. “We would hope that provision would not see the light of day.”

Labor experts differed on the companies’ positions. Karen E. Boroff, the dean of the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, said she found FedEx’s arguments persuasive. “FedEx absolutely has a right to be concerned about tiny little bargaining units interrupting the flow of their delivery,” she said. And, she said, workers doing similar jobs were often classified under different labor laws. But James J. Brudney, a law professor at the Moritz College of Law at the Ohio State University, said that FedEx Express’s classification was “a historical anomaly.”

“From the workers’ point of view, it seems unfair,” he said.

Advertising executives who reviewed the Web site said that it did some things very well.

“I give them credit for inventiveness,” said Steve Centrillo, a principal at A-Team Advisors, a consultant to advertising agencies that is based in New York.

Pinning the problems on U.P.S. rather than on unionization helped FedEx avoid sticky labor relations questions, he said.

But, Mr. Centrillo said, the use of bailout was “the most questionably ethical thing on the site.

“It’s taking a word that is extremely loaded right now, and implying that somehow, the government is writing a check to U.P.S., which is clearly not the case.”

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Tell Your Senators to Support the Express Carrier Employee Protection Provision

What Is FedEx So Afraid Of?

"I'm going to destroy them." That is the threat from FedEx's chief spokesman, Maury Lane, when asked by U.S. News and World Report about his company's soon-to-be launched multi-million dollar ad against the Express Carrier Employee Protection provision.

Lane's words mean that FedEx Express will stop at nothing to preserve its status as the ONLY freight and package-delivery company in the United States to classify all its workers under the Railway Labor Act. The RLA applies to only aircraft and railroad workers.

FedEx does not want its special status taken away because they know it would make organizing easier for its workers. This legislation is so important because it will restore fairness to the freight and package delivery industry. This loophole has allowed FedEx to have an unfair competitive advantage and deprive its workers of the right to secure union representation.

With your help, the House recently voted to pass the FAA Reauthorization Bill and with it came the passage of the Express Carrier provision. Passing this bill shows first hand that hard work and perseverance can pay off. The new administration is on our side, and together we are making changes in Washington to better our Union and the lives of working Americans across the country.

Thank you for your help in passing this important legislation in the House. Although the Express Carrier Employee Protection provision has passed the House, the Senate has not yet voted on this issue. We must continue our hard work to ensure our voices are heard.

Please contact your senators today and let them know you support the Express Carrier legislation.

CALL CONGRESS NOW!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Not Cool, FedEx

By Rich Smith (TMF Ditty)
June 4, 2009 | Comments (1)


Call me a cynic, but I wonder: If FedEx (NYSE: FDX) had suddenly discovered $1 billion in windfall profits -- from, I dunno, finding an unclaimed cargo-hold full of gold bullion in one of its airplanes -- would it have kept the news to itself, or shouted it from the rooftops?

And if it's the latter -- as I strongly suspect it would be -- then I also wonder: When FedEx actually discovered that it was going to have to write down its assets by $1.2 billion this quarter, why did I find out about it in a quietly tucked-away SEC filing rather than in a press release?

Full Article CLICK HERE

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

F.Y.I.

Howard Shultz founder and C.E.O of Starbucks Coffee, Howard is also sponsoring millions of dollars for Employees Free Choice Act not to pass, why because Starbucks employees are organizing to unionize with IWW. The employees of Starbucks are also working minimum hours, why are they working 6 hours only? So Howard Shultz doesn't have to provide fringe benefits for his employees, and the only fringe benefits provided are to the store managers! Shame on you Howard, how do you sleep at night? Knowing you use your employees back to get filthy rich, and not only your employees but you dig deeply into the public (customers) pockets too, by charging those outrageous prices, just for coffee. Now brothers and sisters of FedEx Freight does this not sound familiar to us? To the brothers and sisters of our docks and hostlers of 10, 15, 20 years of service to part time, pure Corporate GREED.
So support the Employees of Starbucks by not purchasing any products of Starbucks, and support your local communities by buying your coffee from your local mom and pop donut shop. Please also support the Employees Free Choice Act, by calling or writing to your state senators to support this act, and remind them who votes and pays their salaries The Tax Payers of their state! So Howard Shultz why am I participating in this union drive? Because I am part of the Change to Win coalition group and I am helping out the union communities to save and restored our middle class in America and the American Dream in America. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Joe Nuño, Rudy Hernandez and FedEx Watchdogs.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Organizing Workshop

Organizing Workshop will be held:

DATE: SUNDAY,JUNE 14, 2009

TIME: 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

PLACE: TEAMSTER LOCAL 952
140 MARKS WAY, ORANGE CA.

COME AND MEET THE TEAM WHO HELPED THE
School Bus Workers Ratify A Strong Teamster Contract!

School Bus Workers Ratify Strong Teamster Contracts

May 28, 2009


First Student school bus workers who are members of Local 952 in Orange, California recently ratified strong first-time Teamster contracts.

The two agreements cover the 81 First Student drivers in Santa Ana, as well as 110 drivers and 10 attendants with First Student in Mission Viejo.

“This was a sweet victory and we are very pleased,” said Cole Franklin, a driver at the Mission Viejo location.

According to Ruben Lopez, a business agent and organizer with Local 952, the workers were extremely focused throughout the negotiations of these contracts.

Both three-year agreements provide improvements to wages; paid bereavement and jury duty leaves; paid sick days; seniority rights for biding of routes; as well as layoff and recall by seniority, among many other industry-leading advancements.

“It is important to organize all of the contractors in this sector, including at companies like Durham, in order to push up wages and benefits for all hardworking bus workers,” said Patrick D. Kelly, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 952.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

FAQS About Forming a Union

What is a union?
A union is an organization of workers who join together in order to have a voice in improving their jobs in the workplace.

What are my rights on the job?
You and your co-workers have a legal right to form a union at your work place. You are protected under the law and it is illegal for management to in any way threaten, harass, spy or discriminate against any employee for union activity.

What kind of raises and benefits can we expect with a union?
Every union contract is different, because it reflects the priorities of the group that negotiated it. But, on average:
Union contracts typically include guaranteed annual raises, pay steps that reward experience and length of service, and higher shift differentials, certification and specialty bonuses, and other premium pay.
Union members have better benefits. Most employees represented by a union have achieved fully paid family health benefits and guaranteed pensions.

Who makes decisions in a union?
A union is a democratic organization. The employees who are members of the union make all the primary decisions. They vote on their union contracts, they elect union leaders, they vote on bylaws and any changes in dues structure and they or their elected representatives vote on other important decisions. A union is guided by the priorities that the members choose.

Do we have a right to form a union?
Yes. By law, employees have the freedom to form a union and work together to improve the quality of their jobs. You can-and should-talk to your co-workers about forming a union anywhere and anytime you're allowed to talk about non-work topics.
Your rights to distribute union literature (during breaks and lunchs, before and after work hours), and encourage other employees to support forming a union are protected by law. It's illegal for your employer to intimidate, discriminate, or otherwise interfere in your decision.

Will we be able to maintain a direct relationship with management?
Yes. Most employees say forming a union improves their relationship with supervisors because everyone knows what to expect and there are clear ways to resolve any problems that arise day-to-day. With a union , we share in decision-making.


Can we lose our benefits if we form a union?
The purpose of negotiating a union contract is to preserve and improve benefits, not lose them. When you sit down to negotiate a union contract, you start with your existing pay and benefits—including those accrued with seniority—and work your way up. Management cannot unilaterally reduce pay or benefits when you vote to form a union.
Because they're written into a legally binding contract that you've voted to approve, your pay and benefits are guaranteed-they can't be changed unless employees at your work place vote to do so. At a time when many companies are looking for ways to cut costs, forming a union is the best way to protect your current benefits.

Does forming a union mean we'll have to go on strike?
No. No one ever wants to go on strike—which is why about 98 percent of union contracts are settled without one. Strikes are the exception, not the rule. More importantly, a decision to go on strike is one that only you and your co-workers can make for yourselves through a democratic vote. If members don't want to strike, there won't be one-it's the members' decision to make by a majority vote.

Monday, May 25, 2009

U.S. House Approves Legislation Fought by FedEx, Airlines

By John Hughes

May 21 (Bloomberg) -- FedEx Corp. truck drivers, package handlers and other employees would be able to join unions more easily under legislation the U.S. House approved today.

Workers in FedEx’s Express unit could vote locally to join unions under the plan rather than having to hold a national election to gain representation. The labor provision was included by Representative James Oberstar, a Minnesota Democrat, in broader $53.5 billion legislation to finance the Federal Aviation Administration through fiscal 2012.

The 277-136 vote sets up a clash in the Senate between FedEx and larger competitor United Parcel Service Inc., which says the legislation would even the playing field with UPS’s union workforce. UPS workers organize under the National Labor Relations Act, which allows local organizing. FedEx operates under the national organizing standard used for airlines.

“The House of Representatives has done the right thing in closing this unfair loophole,” Teamsters President Jim Hoffa said in a statement. “FedEx Express workers have been deprived their right to form unions like workers at other package- delivery companies.”

The Senate hasn’t yet crafted its version of the bill. The House approved similar legislation in 2007 that wasn’t taken up by the Senate.

FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE:

Now YOU must contact your states' U.S. senator and inform them of your support for this bill.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

We'll Find Out Sooner Or Later Henry

The FedEx Watch Dogs have heard that FedEx LTL service manager Henry and his Hench men in Mira Loma Ca. have threatened their employees. Telling them, if they hear or find out that anyone is talking Union, or mentioning the Teamsters, even during breaks, that these employees will be "Fired"!

Well Henry your threats against your employees were illegal under the NRLB. A petition is in circulation now and when enough signatures are received, it will be presented to the NRLB.

The FedEx Watch Dogs

To start a petition against managers who have illegally threaten employees at your FedEx terminal, CLICK HERE to download a copy.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Take Action Now

This Wednesday, May 20th, the House will vote on the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill. Included in this bill is the Express Carrier Employee Protection Amendment as well as legislation on outsourcing of aircraft maintenance. Please send an e-mail to your Representative today urging him/her to pass the FAA Reauthorization Bill and not allow the Express Carrier Employee Protection Amendment or the outsourcing legislation to be removed or weakened.

The Express Carrier Employee Protection Amendment will ensure fair competition in the package delivery industry and protect the rights of employees. The deep pockets of corporations like FedEx should not determine which federal labor laws apply to employees, effectively denying them their right to organize. Nor should FedEx be allowed an unfair advantage in the package delivery industry.

The outsourcing legislation would apply the same inspection standards to all aircraft maintenance repair stations, whether foreign or domestic. The safety and security of air travel is at risk when our nation's airline maintenance is entrusted to foreign vendors without the rigorous inspection and oversight we have in the U.S.

We must work to protect the rights of workers through the Express Carrier Employee Protection Amendment and to stop the foreign outsourcing of American jobs in the airline maintenance field. Please urge your Representative to support the FAA Reauthorization Bill tomorrow with these critical pieces of legislation.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Results of BAD MANAGEMENT

YRC Worldwide plunges as debt fears re-emergeMay 13, 2009 3:31 PM ET


NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of one of the nation's largest trucking companies, YRC Worldwide Inc., sank Wednesday as investors continued to worry that it might not meet its credit requirements this quarter.

Overland Park, Kansas-based YRC said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday that it needs to cut more costs and get more shipments in order to counteract the steep decline in revenue from the slumping economy. In order to stay in line with its creditors obligations, it needs to post earnings before taxes depreciation and amortization of $45 million.

READ MORE CLICK HERE

FedEx Shares Fall; Outlook Better Than Rival’s

Shares of FedEx Corp. fell Monday as the broader markets lost ground, and an analyst said the company’s aggressive cost cuts might not be enough to offset the steep decline in volumes and the expected rise in fuel prices.

Stifel Nicolaus analyst David Ross cut the stock to “hold,” saying it won’t likely rise enough in the next several quarters to justify his previous “buy” rating.

He predicted shares will remain “range-bound” while uncertainty lingers about the timing and strength of economic recovery. Ross also forecast that the company’s volumes won’t get much better until next year.

FedEx has other problems that might tug on growth potential in the near future, the analyst said. A bill currently before Congress would make unionization easier – something that would likely drive up labor and other costs at the company. Rising fuel prices and pension liabilities will also affect growth, he said.

In the long run, Ross said he recommends FedEx over larger rival UPS Inc. because of its greater potential to improve margins and overall sales. But he suggested investors shouldn’t buy FedEx shares until they fall to about $50.

FedEx shares lost $2.36, or 3.9 percent, to $57.70 in afternoon trading. The stock has traded as high as $96.65 and as low as $34.02 in the past year.

Article from Memphis Daliy News, 5-12-09

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Leaders in Investment Community Speak Out for Employee Free Choice

by Seth Michaels, May 11, 2009


A coalition of investors, representing nearly $400 billion in assets, has stepped forward to say the Employee Free Choice Act is the right move right now to protect workers and strengthen the economy.

In a letter to Congress, 26 leaders from the investment community strongly endorse the Employee Free Choice Act, saying that it’s critical not just for the cause of human rights, but for business, too. The support of these business leaders is a valuable corrective to the anti-union spin and disinformation promoted by corporate lobby groups.

READ MORE CLICK HERE

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

IBT unity conference fedex freight organizing




On May 3, 2009, Teamster VP Ken Hall announces plan to organize FedEx at 8th annual Unity Conference. This segment highlights FedEx Freight campaign.

FedEx Drivers Win Class Cert. In Overtime Suit

FedEx Drivers Win Class Cert. In Overtime Suit - April 30, 2009
By Erin Fuchs
Emploment.Law360, New York (April 23, 2009)—A federal judge in California has certified five subclasses of drivers alleging FedEx Corp. bilked them of pay for missed meal periods, off-the-clock work and working split shifts. Judge Thelton E. Henderson of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California approved the five subclasses Tuesday.

He denied a motion to approve a sixth class, though, which would have consisted of drivers alleging FedEx hadn't paid them for inaccurate wage statements or paid their full wages when they left the company.

Judge Henderson also stayed further proceedings on three of the subclasses pending a California Supreme Court review of two employment cases. The high court will determine whether the word "provide" necessitates that employers certify that workers take breaks or simply requires them to offer the opportunity.

The subclasses would consist of delivery drivers or couriers employed by FedEx between April 14, 2006, and the present, all of whom are claiming FedEx denied them wages.

Read More on first comment

Monday, April 27, 2009

Thank You !

Hey brother Mario.F; thank you for your input you are a great help on this website. people are talking about you especially thru other terminals, please don't mention your terminal keep it this way, soon we will meet. But let us tell you something when you become a full time employee at U.P.S parcel, it will be the last company you will have to work for until you retired at an early age. Thanks brother. from Joe & Rudy and the FedEx Watchdog and like they said in one of our last comments RUFF RUFF!!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Real Boston Tea Party was an Anti-Corporate Revolt

by Thom Hartmann

CNBC Correspondent Rick Santelli called for a "Chicago Tea Party" on Feb 19th in protesting President Obama's plan to help homeowners in trouble. Santelli's call was answered by the right-wing group FreedomWorks, which funds campaigns promoting big business interests, and is the opposite of what the real Boston Tea Party was. FreedomWorks was funded in 2004 by Dick Armey (former Republican House Majority leader & lobbyist); consolidated Citizens for a Sound Economy, funded by the Koch family; and Empower America, a lobbying firm, that had fought against healthcare and minimum-wage efforts while hailing deregulation.

Anti-tax "tea party" organizers are delivering one million tea bags to a Washington, D.C., park Wednesday morning - to promote protests across the country by people they say are fed up with high taxes and excess spending.

The real Boston Tea Party was a protest against huge corporate tax cuts for the British East India Company, the largest trans-national corporation then in existence. This corporate tax cut threatened to decimate small Colonial businesses by helping the BEIC pull a Wal-Mart against small entrepreneurial tea shops, and individuals began a revolt that kicked-off a series of events that ended in the creation of The United States of America.

READ MORE CLICK HERE

Teamsters Denounce FedEx For Accepting Award From Country Guilty Of Widespread Labor Violations

April 13, 2009
FedEx Should Put Human Rights Over Profits. Teamsters Say

Press Contact:Galen Munroe
gmunroe@teamster.org
202-624-6904

The Teamsters today denounced FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) for accepting an award for “corporate responsibility” from the Chamber of Commerce in Dubai, where indentured servitude is widespread among immigrant construction workers.

“The Teamsters are outraged that FedEx would accept an award from a country that would allow employers to treat workers so poorly,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “Companies must make human rights a priority when it comes to doing business. They must stop the practice of putting profits before its people, both in other countries and here at home.”

FedEx Express was one of several companies to receive the dubious honor at the fourth annual Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Awards presented earlier this week. The awards are given to “encourage excellent business practices and to contribute to the national development of the United Arab Emirates.”

Hamdi Osman, Senior Vice President for FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, said the company was “honored to be recognized for this contribution to the market” and that the award showed FedEx was demonstrating “that it follows the highest international business standards.”

In Dubai, hundreds of thousands of workers are forced to live in squalid labor camps and work 18 hours a day to earn about $1 an hour.

A Human Rights Watch report in November 2006, “Building Towers, Cheating Workers,” reported that the UAE government “has abdicated almost entirely from its responsibility to protect workers’ rights by investigating, prosecuting and remedying abusive and unlawful conduct by employers toward the construction workers.”

The abuses include unpaid or extremely low wages, several years of indebtedness to recruitment agencies for fees that UAE law says only employers should pay, the withholding of employees’ passports, and hazardous working conditions that result in apparently high rates of death and injury.

Last year, Dubai’s criminal court sentenced 45 immigrant Indian workers to prison because they went on strike for better working conditions. The sentence was in violation of the International Labor Organization’s Convention 87 on freedom of association.