It's time to level the playing field, and Congress is poised to impose one set of rules for all package delivery companies. "FedEx bought its special status through political arm-twisting, plain and simple," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "But now Congress must do the right thing and close the loophole. Americans are tired of giveaways to corporations, especially to a company that can't even be upfront about what it really does."

The House has passed the Express Carrier Employee Protection Act as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill, which also includes important safety measures for the traveling public and vital pilot training requirements. It also will create more than 125,000 new jobs each year. The Senate has passed FAA Reauthorization as well. But the two bills must be reconciled. FedEx CEO Fred Smith has his two Tennessee senators doing his bidding by blocking further progress to protect the corporate loophole. FedEx is based in Memphis.

"At a time when Americans are deeply concerned about job creation and security, it is reprehensible that Fred Smith would hold up such an important bill, just to protect his special deal," said Ken Hall, Teamsters Vice President and Package Division Director. "Congress won't stand for it and the American people won't either."