Release #05.FDX10
September 15, 2005

FedEx Pilots Pledge Support to Polar Air Cargo Crewmembers in Event of Polar Strike

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- FedEx pilots, as represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l. (ALPA), have pledged their support to Polar Air Cargo crewmembers in the event of a Polar strike that could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. EDT Friday, Sept.16. The FedEx pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) offered their support in a unanimous vote yesterday.

“Polar crewmembers have been negotiating for more than two years and only are seeking a fair contract that recognizes their contributions and allows their company to grow,” said Captain David Webb, FedEx MEC Chairman. “They do not want to go on strike, but the FedEx pilots stand ready to assist them in any way we can should that happen.”

The National Mediation Board released Polar crewmembers and Polar management from mediated talks into a 30-day “cooling-off” period in August. If there is no negotiated agreement before the expiration of the 30-day period at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 16, the crewmembers are free to strike.

Day and night and 365 days a year, the 4,300 professional FedEx pilots--representing the air division of the FedEx brand and helping generate nearly two-thirds of FedEx Corporation’s annual revenue--fly to cities on five continents, making FedEx among the largest and most profitable airlines by any measure. Founded in 1931, ALPA represents 64,000 pilots at 41 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at http://www.alpa.org.

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ALPA Contact: Scott Sherrin, (901) 842-2220