Congressman Cohen Defends FedEx at 2007 FAA Reauthorization Hearing

Washington, DC -- Earlier today, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee amended the Federal Aviation reauthorization bill, making it easier for non-airline FedEx Express to unionize. The bill as amended would adversely affect FedEx Express, the largest employer in Memphis, as well as the national and world economies. The amendment would allow FedEx Express workers to organize under the National Labor Relations Act instead of the Railway Labor Act. Currently, only FedEx pilots are unionized.

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who serves on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, was the only Democrat to vote against the amendment which passed 51-18. Cohen, a longtime advocate for labor and worker’s rights, spoke passionately against the amendment, saying the amendment "could disrupt commerce in this country and commerce in the world," affecting not just Memphis, Tennessee but the entire country from "Maine to California." Cohen noted that FedEx Express and UPS, which supported the amendment, have different business models.

Cohen’s remarks were met with admiration by Committee Chairman James Oberstar who supported the amendment but noted Cohen’s integrity. Following Cohen’s comments, he was greeted warmly by member on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the issue.

Upon election to office in November 2006, Cohen lobbied House leadership for appointment to the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, despite being offered a slot on the coveted Financial Services Committee, a plum assignment for fundraising. Cohen stated, "I feel it is vital that District 9 have representation on the Transportation Committee. As the distribution center of America, District 9 must have a voice on important transportation issues which directly affect our local job market and economy."

Complete video is linked here.

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Contact:

Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, Congressman Cohen (202) 225-3265