In historic vote, FedEx Freight drivers vote to join Teamsters

Updated Oct 16, 2014

FedEx Freight drivers in Croydon, Pa. have become the first U.S. FedEx drivers to join the Teamsters union, by a 26-18 vote on Oct. 14.

FedEx’s less-than-truckload segment said it is considering an appeal and other options following the outcome. Last week, city and road drivers at its Cinnaminson, N.J., service center voted against joining the union.

In September, 14 warehouse employees at FedEx Freight Canada’s Surrey, B.C. Columbia joined the Teamsters. Until then, U.S. pilots were the only unionized FedEx employees in North America.

The Teamsters have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to allow votes to unionize at other FedEx Freight locations, including its Harrisburg, Pa. and Indianapolis locations.

In 2011, the Teamsters began its campaign at the the 20,000-truck division of the Tennessee-based company.

It also has set its sights on unionizing Con-way’s 500 locations. On Sept. 12, driver and dock workers at Con-way’s Laredo, Texas location became the first to join by a 55-49 vote. In California, the Teamsters also filed to organize votes at the logistic and transportation company’s Los Angeles, Santa Fe Springs and San Fernando terminals.