FedEx pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), announced that they had reached a tentative agreement (TA) with FedEx management on an amended collective bargaining agreement May 30. The ALPA and FedEx began negotiating the  contract in May 2021 and have been in mediation with the National Mediation Board since November 2022.

The TA is subject to the finalization of contract language. At this time, the terms of the TA have not been publicly released because they must first be reviewed and approved by the FedEx Master Executive Council (MEC). If approved, the TA will need to be accepted by FedEx pilots via a ratification vote.

“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with our pilots as we continue delivering outstanding service to our customers around the world,” FedEx said in an official statement May 30.

According to Reuters, this agreement prevented a possible strike after 99% of the almost 6,000 FedEx Express pilots voted overwhelmingly for union leaders to authorize a strike May 17.

“For more than two years, our pilots have demonstrated their unwavering support of our Negotiating Committee, and just two weeks ago voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike,” said Captain Chris Norman, chair of the FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council. “This tentative agreement represents the culmination of a tremendous effort and would not have been possible without the solidarity, patience and determination of every FedEx pilot. We thank our pilots for their continued professionalism and willingness to show up and be counted when it mattered most.”