The sight and enthusiasm of the assembled teams of organizers moved John Goglia, the only AMT to ever serve on the National Transportation Safety Board, to tears. Goglia addressed the group and was among the several hundred people who took part in the conference.

“The Teamsters get it, they truly get it,” Goglia said. “The energy you bring to the table, the commitment you bring to the table, is amazing. Respect is a two-way street. Companies need to learn that. If FedEx wants to play the game, I think we’re ready for them.”

The teams visited FedEx Express mechanics class and craft in the Memphis area, Arkansas and Mississippi .

“After this blitz, there is no doubt in my mind how committed the Teamsters are in securing and protecting the futures of the FedEx Express mechanics class and craft and their families,” said Rafael “Chupi” Garcia, an AMT in Newark, New Jersey. Garcia was one of many FedEx Express workers who came to Memphis to talk to his coworkers.

Two days before the blitz, hundreds of Teamsters showed support for the FedEx Express workers at a massive rally held at Local 667 in Memphis . Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said the union is ready to go toe to toe with FedEx.

“FedEx Express workers deserve respect for the hard work they do,” Hoffa said. “We support you in your efforts to form a union and we will give you all the help you need.”