HOFFA LEADS RALLY IN SUPPORT OF FEDEX EXPRESS WORKERS' CAMPAIGN FOR UNION REPRESENTATION

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa joined hundreds of Teamster members, organizers and FedEx Express mechanics to throw his support behind their efforts to form a union.

During his remarks at Teamsters Local 667 in Memphis, Tennessee, Hoffa called on FedEx to allow these workers to seek representation free from intimidation by management.

"We've already heard reports that FedEx held captive audience meetings today at locations around Memphis," said Teamsters General President Hoffa. "These workers deserve the right to make a choice free from any anti-union efforts from their employer."

Dave Saucier, a ten-year mechanic at FedEx Express, felt that it was time to bring the power and support of a union to his workplace after the company unilaterally replaced his retirement plan on June 1.

"In my ten years I've seen FedEx Express continue to squeeze us at every turn," Saucier said. "Now that they've taken our pension plan away, we stand to lose tens of thousands of dollars and will work at a minimum of ten more years to make up the difference."

The rally took place two days prior to the launch of the largest organizing blitz in the union's history as hundreds of Teamster members will hit the streets to visit thousands of FedEx Express mechanics in the Memphis area.

The Teamsters look to build on a successful six months during which the union organized more than 28,000 new members.

"With our mighty army of organizers in the field, the Teamsters are ready to go to battle with FedEx to bring these workers the respect and power they deserve," Hoffa said.

Photos of the event are forthcoming!