Why FedEx?

Why is it that you specifically target FedEx Canada every year despite the fact that FedEx employees continually express they have no desire to be unionised? Do you feel that FedEx employees are being abuse/taken advantage of in ways they don't realise, and you truely feel you can create a better/more lucrative working environment for them OR Is it just the fact that, with FedEx Canada having over 5000 employees, it would create a lot of union dues and be a fat cash cow for teamster executives? As well, how is you badgering/profiting of off FedEx employees differ any differently than actual FedEx management doing the same? As a famous pre independence American said "Why get rid of a dictator 5000 miles away, just to adopt a dictator 5 miles away?"

Teamsters Response:

Let me try and answer your questions....

Q#1. Why is it that you specifically target FedEx Canada every year despite the fact that FedEx employees continually express they have no desire to be unionised?

Answer. I don't believe the Teamsters have ever made FedEx Canada a "target" as there wasn't interest in the past. The only reason we are assisting the workers organize is because we were contacted by hundreds of FedEx workers across Canada.

Q#2.  Do you feel that FedEx employees are being abuse/taken advantage of in ways they don't realise, and you truely feel you can create a better/more lucrative working environment for them.

Answer. As stated before "the Teamsters" did not decide to organize the workers as it was the workers that asked us to help. The reasons for the workers contacting us is documented all over this website.

Q#3. Is it just the fact that, with FedEx Canada having over 5000 employees, it would create a lot of union dues and be a fat cash cow for teamster executives?

Answer. It's true that 5,000 workers would add a lot of members and dues income to Teamsters Canada. But consider this.....the union is non-profit and the union receives zero dues dollars until a first collective agreement is voted and approved by the new members. I can tell you that the "union" will not profit from you. The Union is not a company that is mandated by share-holders to make a profit.

Q#4. As well, how is you badgering/profiting of off FedEx employees differ any differently than actual FedEx management doing the same?

Answer. The difference is the union is non-profit and the company runs to make a profit and with a union you have the power to agree or disagree with company positions that affect your life. It's called the power to vote.

Q#5. As a famous pre independence American said "Why get rid of a dictator 5000 miles away, just to adopt a dictator 5 miles away?"

Answer. Lets use your example (However I don't believe organized workers are dictators)--The "dictator" 5,000 miles away you have no control over (i.e. no vote). The "dictator" 5 miles away you have full control over (i.e.right to vote on your contract, your shop stewards, and your union officers.)