FedEx Pilots Union Begins Action

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Federal Express Corp. pilots stopped working overtime Monday and their union sent out strike authorization ballots in efforts to get contract talks with the cargo airline going again.

The company anticipated no disruption in service, but worried some customers may go elsewhere if the labor dispute persists, spokesman Greg Rossiter said.

"When shippers switch, it's very difficult to get them back," Mr. Rossiter said.

The company and the Fedex Pilots Assn. union have been negotiating off and on since July, but no talks have been held since Oct. 30. The union hopes that refusing to work overtime as the company prepares for its busy holiday season will get talks moving again.



"We're not trying to hurt the company, but we're trying to get their attention," said Byron Cobb, vice president of the union.

No strike is imminent, both sides agree. The union won't count the strike authorization ballots until the first week in December. A two-thirds vote for authorization would allow the union's board to call a strike if talks remain stalled.

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