A historical first: FedEx workers join the Teamsters Union

For the first time in the history of organized labour in Canada, FedEx workers have decided to join a union, and they have chosen the Teamsters...

LAVAL, QC, Feb. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - For the first time in the history of organized labour in Canada, FedEx workers have decided to join a union, and they have chosen the Teamsters.

The Teamsters Union filed an application for certification with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to represent around 45 FedEx administrative workers based in Mississauga, Ontario.

"I would like to congratulate these men and women who had the courage to stand up to their employer, well known for his anti-unionism," states James P. Hoffa, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. "Signing a card is the first step to improving their work conditions."

Several reasons motivated these FedEx workers to unionize, namely a $16,000 annual wage disparity with similar workers employed by Purolator.

"The campaign is far from over," adds Robert Bouvier, president of Teamsters Canada. "Dozens of organizers and members are hard at work throughout the country to try to convince other FedEx workers that it is in their best interest to join the Teamsters."

The CIRB is expected to render its decision within the next few weeks.

The Teamsters Union intends to pursue its campaign for as long as it takes. For more information, visit our Website: www.FedExWorkers.org.

The Teamsters Union represents 125,000 members in Canada in all trades. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America.

For further information: Stéphane Lacroix, Director of Communications, Teamsters Canada, [phone]