FedEx and pilots announce tentative deal

US package delivery company FedEx and the association representing its pilots today said they have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract after more than two years of talks.

Memphis, Tennessee-based FedEx and the Air Line Pilots Association International said the agreement - reached the evening before - is subject to review before being finalized.

FedEx's 4,700 pilots will then vote on whether to accept the new contract. If ratified, the contract will become amendable in 2010.

Negotiations on a new contract began in March 2004.

In June, FedEx rival United Parcel Service Inc. reached a tentative agreement on a new labour contract with its pilots' union, after four years of talks.

A vote on that potential contract is expected by mid-September. Atlanta, Georgia-based UPS has some 2,700 pilots.

- REUTERS