FedEx Pilot Union to Reject Overtime

Pilots for FDX Corp., formerly Federal Express, say they will turn down overtime starting Monday to call attention to stalled contract talks.

The Fedex Pilots Assn., which represents 98% of the express delivery company’s pilots, said the tactic will delay deliveries at the peak of the company’s pre-holiday rush. Daily traffic reaches 4 million packages during the period.

FedEx said only 2% of the company’s flights are operated by overtime crews. Memphis-based FedEx is the world’s largest air package delivery company.

Company pilots earn an average of $142,000 a year, about mid-range for the airline industry. Annual salaries for 1997, including overtime, ranged from $37,000 to $379,000, depending on seniority and the kind of aircraft flown, FedEx said.

The union seeks a retroactive 5% pay increase and a 19% raise over four years.