FedEx Pilots Have Union Election

MEMPHIS, Tenn (AP) — The Fedex Pilots Association will soon elect new officers, and that could radically alter the union's direction just as contract talks with Federal Express Corp. officials are closer to conclusion.

PA president Frank Fato isn't seeking another term, and at least three men are seeking his post. Today is the last day for candidates to submit nomination forms.

allots will be sent to members at the end of December and tallied Feb. 1. The new officers will serve two-year terms.

"It's the first time we've had an election where all of the positions are contested. The election is going to influence the direction of this union for years to come," said David Webb, one of the candidates.

he pilots have been trying to get a contract since 1993. They seemed headed to a strike last month, but backed down after company founder Frederick Smith took a hard line.

Pilots and the company expect to reach a tentative agreement this month, and then the 3,300 members will hold a ratification vote.

r. Webb is a longtime union activist who advocated a hard line during recent talks. Other candidates are Byron Cobb, current FPA vice president, who appears to seek continuity; and Mike Weiland, a member of the union's negotiating committee.

If the union radically changes its direction now, they'll be making a huge mistake," said Art Hatfield, transportation analyst at Morgan Keegan & Co. "The company's position that it will go on with or without pilots isn't a bluff. They'll lay pilots off in a heartbeat if they suddenly change position."