The rolling stoppages by FedEx workers appear to be over just in time for the Christmas rush.
FedEx Express and the Transport Workers Union released a joint media statement today announcing they’d reached an in-principle enterprise agreement, effectively ending the long-running industrial action.
The agreement includes a wage increase between 9.25-9.75 per cent, subject to Consumer Price Index (CPI) over three years, as well as an additional 2 per cent increase in superannuation during a three-year period, reaching 13 per cent in 2023.
There is also a commitment from both parties to review the agreed wage increase at the two-year mark against the CPI, capped at 3.5 per cent.
This is in addition to the in-principle agreement on job security claims reached on October 13, 2021.
On top of the job security clauses already in the enterprise agreement, FedEx said it has agreed to additional clauses to ensure full utilisation of its current permanent workforce before engaging casual or labour hire.
Peter Langley, vice president, FedEx Express Australasia, said the company welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations with the union.
“The finalisation of negotiations ahead of the peak e-commerce period during the holiday season is excellent news for Australian businesses and the wider community,” said Langley.
“This means we can now focus on working together to keep supply chains moving and meet the community’s needs, especially during such a critical and busy period.”
TWU NSW/QLD secretary Richard Olsen welcomed the in-principle agreement and paid tribute to FedEx workers for working together to secure a fair deal.
“This has been a long and difficult seven-month negotiation,” said Olsen.
“It was critical, essential transport workers at FedEx received sustainable wage rises which keep up with the cost of living, significant increases to superannuation and provisions which lock in their job security.
“We are pleased FedEx workers have secured these important conditions in this in-principle agreement.”