FedEx maintained that its operations will not be affected by the recently authorized strike plans of its pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA).

It said that the ALPA vote on May 17 to authorise a strike "has no impact" on its service — as the American express giant noted that it remains in "productive negotiations" with its pilots.

FedEx noted that while strike authorization votes are a "common tactic" for labor organizations during Railway Labor Act negotiations, strikes are only possible with the express permission of the National Mediation Board.

It added that strikes can also "only occur" after the parties have passed through multiple legally mandated steps, and only when other safeguards, such as Presidential or Congressional intervention, do not occur.

"At this time, we are still in productive negotiations with our pilots under the supervision of a government-appointed mediator and will return to the bargaining table next week," FedEx said.

It added that ALPA's announcement is consistent with the recently announced authorization votes from other represented carriers who continue to bargain without any interruption to their operations.

"No impact" on service

"FedEx is focused on reaching a comprehensive agreement and remains committed to bargaining in good faith with our pilots to achieve an agreement that is fair to them, our other team members, and all other FedEx stakeholders."

"The results of ALPA's strike authorization has no impact on our service as we continue delivering for our customers around the world," it added.