While I detest Unions in any form, and have invested a good deal of time and effort in pushing for the defeat of card check, I’m not quite sure I agree with Mr. Smith’s approach. The question must be asked: When the day comes when FedEx actually needs aircraft, and believe me that day will come very soon, to whom will they turn to fill the order? The only logical answer, since Boeing will be out of the question, is Airbus. With that being said you must ask yourself the question, would you rather have FedEx purchasing from union infested Boeing or Euro-trash Airbus? Personally I would rather them purchase from an American company. Threatening Unions with such an action has its merits but when push comes to shove you have to consider the alternatives. FedEx might be better served fighting the Railway Labor Act, which poses a direct threat to their business model, instead of threatening American workers. While I agree with the sentiment behind Mr. Smith’s threat, I’m not so sure about its practicality.
I ship UPS personally.... better service. One of the most stable companies out there, bar none!.
>>>would you rather have FedEx purchasing from union infested Boeing or Euro-trash Airbus?
Fed Ex must not see the situation as an EITHER-OR trap.
Perhaps they see other options like using smaller Brazilian airplanes... or shutting down. They lose nothing/little with their threat. Who is going to be buying Boeing planes in the next 6 months anyway?
I work with Fedex. The fleet narrow body replacement is with Refurbished 757’s. That’s in progress. This is in regards to new widebodies, e.g. Boeing 777-s, which wouldn’t be bought from anyone, certainly not as early as planned.