Warning of Christmas delivery 'chaos' as FedEx workers strike

There are warnings of delivery chaos in the lead-up to Christmas, with FedEx workers returning to strikes around the country.

Work stoppages are taking place today in New South Wales and Western Australia, followed by Victoria and Tasmania tomorrow, and Queensland and South Australia on Wednesday.

FedEx workers returned to industrial action, which they began in October this year, after negotiations over pay increases and job security stalled.

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The delivery giant will lock out striking workers for up to two full shifts, depriving them of pay.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions warned there would be "major disruptions" for Australians leading up to Christmas.

Secretary Sally McManus said other delivery companies had been able to come to an agreement with workers, saying FedEx would be seen as an "unreasonable outlier".

"FedEx made $18 million a day during the pandemic, racking up huge profits. They are now refusing to share a tiny part of that with the workers who risked their health to make them these profits," Ms McManus said.

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"It is un-Australian to lock out workers and the ultimate sign of disrespect to the people who make this company successful.

"A reasonable pay rise that has already been agreed to by their competitors and better job security is the least workers deserve.

"FedEx will be seen as the unreasonable outlier and out of touch with the expectations of the community if they continue down this track."

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In a statement, FedEx said it was "disappointed" in the decision to take industrial action.

"FedEx has announced an offer to make the largest wage increase for workers in the logistics sector, a total of 9.25 per cent over three years," the company said.

"In addition, we have offered to increase superannuation during the three-year period, reaching 13 per cent in 2024."

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FedEx Express Australasia vice president Peter Langley claimed it was the "most competitive offer made by any company in our sector".

"We are keen to conclude these negotiations and get these industry-leading increases passed on to employees quickly," Mr Langley said.

FedEx said it would continue to approach these negotiations in good-faith, and we look forward to the TWU responding positively as well.