Release #02.022
April 1, 2002

MEMPHIS, TN—The members of the Fedex Pilots Association (FPA) voted today to merge their independent union with the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).

With 95% of the eligible members voting, 2,906 members — or 90.5% — voted in favor of the merger, posting the highest return rate on any election in FPA history. The American Arbitration Association, which conducted all aspects of the balloting process, certified the results.

"We are pleased that the terms of the merger met with the approval of our pilots, and we look forward to a seamless transition after the final approval by ALPA’s Executive Board," said Capt. David Webb, president of FPA. "The decision to go forward with the merger will make it possible for us to draw on ALPA’s vast resources to improve the lives and working conditions of our 4,100 members."

The unions will combine June 1, 2002, pending approval by ALPA’s Executive Board, which is scheduled to meet next month.

"I am extremely pleased with the FedEx pilots’ overwhelming support for merging our unions," said Capt. Duane Woerth, president of ALPA. "Unifying the FedEx pilots and our other members will enhance ALPA’s strength, as the pilots flying for the largest cargo carrier in the world participate in the merged union’s decisions and activities. ALPA’s commitment to the FedEx pilots includes providing the resources required to reach their goals during contract negotiations in 2004."

FPA’s Board of Directors on Dec. 11, 2001, unanimously endorsed the merger agreement between the unions. ALPA’s Executive Council approved it two days later.

FPA officers and ALPA representatives jointly conducted meetings at various FedEx hubs and pilot bases to answer FedEx pilots’ questions about ALPA and the proposed merger. In addition, pilot volunteers were available at all times to answer questions and clarify the proposed agreement.

The agreement provides ALPA membership for FPA members, seamless transition of FPA representation into ALPA’s governance structure, a fully staffed office in Memphis, and the aforementioned ALPA support of contract negotiations with FedEx management.

Founded in 1996, FPA represents the 4,100 professional pilots of FedEx Corporation. The pilots are based in Memphis, Anchorage and Subic Bay, Philippines and fly to 211 countries served by the premier cargo carrier.

Formed in 1931, ALPA is the world’s oldest and largest pilot union. Following the merger with FPA, ALPA will represent 68,000 crewmembers at 44 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. ALPA’s website is http://www.alpa.org.

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