FedEx Express in Accord With Pilots

FedEx Express, operator of the world’s largest cargo airline, said Sunday that it reached a tentative agreement on a contract with its pilots.

FedEx Express is the largest division of Memphis-based FedEx Corp. The airline and its 4,700 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Assn., had been negotiating since March 2004 but reached a stalemate in October, when the company asked the National Mediation Board to help.

Under federal law, a 1999 contract for FedEx pilots had remained in effect during the talks.

“We at FedEx Express appreciate the time and effort both sides have put into reaching a resolution that is not only fair to our pilots and their families but also fair to the company and our other employees and share owners,” FedEx Express Chief Executive David J. Bronczek said.

Details of the proposed four-year contract were not disclosed. If approved by a union executive council, the agreement would be subject to a vote by the pilots.

“We’re gratified that the collective bargaining process has produced solid contract improvements that acknowledge our pilot group’s contributions to FedEx, and we appreciate the company’s commitment to these negotiations,” said Capt. David Webb, chairman of the council.

The pilots had said their main contract concerns centered on job security, work rules, retirement benefits and health care.