Join the Growing Movement at FedEx's Ground/Home Delivery Division

An increasing number of drivers are exposing the lies surrounding the company's so-called "independent contractor" business model. The company claims this practice provides greater independence, but, in the words of one judge, FedEx takes "close to absolute actual control" over drivers.

The drivers who are fed up with the FedEx bait and switch are challenging the company in court and in complaints filed with state and federal agencies. And the drivers are winning.

FedEx is throwing all the money it can behind its crumbling defenses. Teams of corporate lawyers from Pittsburgh and Memphis drag out hearings around the country to try to out-spend and outlast individual drivers. FedEx CEO Fred Smith and FedEx Ground President Dan Sullivan are hiring high-priced Washington lawyers when their own teams fail.

And there is the dizzying amount of spin coming from the FedEx public relations machine:

• Questionable surveys and phone polls
  
  
• Captive meetings with, and messages from, managers
  
  
• Strained statements blaming "a small group of drivers," "a group of disgruntled former drivers," or "former contractors and their attorneys" for the dissent
  
  
• Letters to the editor criticizing accurate reporting as "misstatements" and not parroting the FedEx view of the world.

Many employers abuse and misuse independent contractors across the parcel industry, but FedEx Ground is probably the largest abuser of the system. The ongoing investigation in California is just the tip of the iceberg.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and FedExWatch.com support the efforts of the drivers at FedEx Ground/Home Delivery. We believe the drivers, sorters and other workers will join with us to negotiate a fair collective bargaining agreement at FedEx.

Here's how you can help:

• Share your story. Tell us your personal experiences with the company. The information you provide will shape a more effective strategy, counter the corporate lies and address your concerns and the concerns of fellow drivers. We may quote or republish your comments, but YOUR IDENTITY WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL unless you tell us otherwise.
  
  
• Collect and expose FedEx disinformation. Send us the communications you receive from your managers about the union and about the "independent contractor vs. employee" debate. Include materials for the Ambassador program and copies of the Independent Times newsletter with your commentary. We'll expose the scam for all to see.
  
  
• Send us court, regulatory or agency decisions and other supporting documents. We want to build a clearinghouse of information that drivers need in administrative hearings and court proceedings. We invite anyone who has decisions from state or federal agencies and regulators to send us copies. We will PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY and post only what YOU permit. Help other drivers prepare for confronting the company.
  
  
• Educate and prepare reporters. This story will only get bigger. If you are willing to be publicly identified and interviewed, let us know. We will pass along your contact information to reporters looking for truthful sources. Have your voice be heard.

Don't let FedEx's corporate message machine dominate this issue. Drivers know the truth. Drivers can document the lies. And drivers can win.

The IBT encourages everyone concerned about FedEx to add their voice to the conversation at FedExaminer.com. The IBT and its affiliated local unions have no financial or ownership stake in FedExaminer and have no control over its operations or content.