http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/business/article/0,1426,MCA_440_5604041,00.htmlNLRB delivers labor jab to FedEx
© Copyright Morningstar, Inc.
By Jane Roberts
June 27, 2007
The National Labor Relations Board's certification of a union vote last week involving FedEx Home Delivery drivers in Wilmington, Mass., could add a layer of intrigue to a case that pits the independent-driver model against the more traditional employee model.
Drivers in the Home Delivery division in Wilmington last October voted 24-8 to choose the Teamsters as their bargaining representative.
By intervening, the NLRB said it agreed that the drivers are employees and not independent contractors, according to Patricia Gilbert, NLRB spokeswoman in Washington.
The decision was made by the regional director in Massachusetts.
FedEx disagrees with the ruling on principle and alleges that the Teamsters engaged in "objectionable misconduct," which tainted election results. The company has filed an objection.
"Because the Teamsters do not have the best interest of our contractors in mind, we will continue to work with our contractors to protect their investments so they can run their businesses without third party interference," said Maury Lane, FedEx spokesman.
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