An organization aiming to provide a collective voice for FedEx Ground contractors disbanded Friday, just months after its launch as a core piece of ousted delivery contractor Spencer Patton's campaign for change at the company.
All officers and committee members for the Trade Association for Logistics Professionals resigned effective Friday, "effectively terminating the organization," according to an update on its website. It also noted that Patton had previously resigned on Oct. 25.
"Committee members nominated themselves to join this group with one clear, shared objective: to better promote effective dialogue with FedEx Ground," per the update. "After considerable discussion and investigation, it is clear this committee, as structured, is not the appropriate vehicle to accomplish this goal and that better options exist."
Patton announced the launch of TALP in August, with the purpose of helping contractors voice concerns, petition for change and "participate in legal challenges against FedEx Ground" if necessary.
Ground pushed back against efforts to collectively negotiate financial terms, with President and CEO John Smith warning contractors in a memo that such an action would be a breach of contract. The company has around 6,000 contractors that conduct its pickup, delivery and linehaul services.
Weeks after TALP launched, Ground terminated its agreements with Patton as he continued his outspoken campaign for change to how the company compensates and supports its contractors.
In the update announcing its disbandment, TALP denounced "any calls for work stoppages that may have been associated with this organization or any individual member associated with this organization." Prior to his ouster as a Ground contractor, Patton had warned his company would stop operating delivery routes beginning Nov. 25 unless the company provided more favorable terms to their current agreement.
TALP's message said the group remained optimistic about Ground's long-term potential, pointing out that company leadership recently held a series of meetings with contractors.
"We are encouraged by these meetings and encourage all contractors to engage in these discussions actively and constructively," the update said. "Success for FedEx Ground and contractors is dependent on engaging in good-faith dialogue to unleash the entrepreneurial potential inherent in our business model."
Patton did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. FedEx Ground declined to comment.
