FedEx reaches tentative deal with pilot union

FedEx Corp has reached a tentative agreement with pilots of its air delivery unit who had voted in favor of a strike earlier this month seeking higher pay, the package delivery company said Tuesday. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) had voted "overwhelmingly" in favor of a strike if needed, when it had entered the final stages of a contract negotiation with the company. FedEx did not provide any further details on the agreement. ALPA did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment. The development comes at a time when aviators enjoy higher negotiating power with strong demand and a tight labor market in the sector, motivating them to push for better contracts with airlines and parcel firms. The agreement prevents a possible strike after 99% of about 6,000 FedEx Express pilots that ALPA represents voted in favor of one, as they asked the company to meet recently improved industry standards for pilot pay.<br/>