 kapilThe Kapil
join:2000-04-26
Chicago, IL | reply to rawgerz
Re: Don't be evil I've worked for both UPS and FedEx and both companies have their share of problems.
FedEx takes the "threat" of unionization very seriously. I was on the leadership fast track when I happened to suggest that employees whose work day is strictly scheduled, like call center and ground ops workers, and therefore unable to attend company meetings and other events, should be allowed to delegate a co-worker who can speak up for them at such events.....this, somehow, was mistaken for "union activity" and the company found a way to show me to the door shortly thereafter.
Having said that, I should add that FedEx employees, at least the Express ones, are treated very well. The company has an unofficial policy to never lay off workers so that workers feel secure in their jobs, therefore are more loyal. Wages are competitive (although generally lower than UPS), benefits are very generous and policies are very fair and favor the employees...even if short sighted managers occasionally find a way to subvert the intention of such policies.
If you're willing to drink the kool-aid, FedEx is easily one of the best places to work.
FedEx Ground is a slightly different story because most of its couriers are classified as contractors - illegally in my opinion....and the company is in trouble because of this.
UPS, well, represents what you'd expect a stereotypical unionized company to be. Wages and work conditions are excellent thanks to collective bargaining. However, one must pay his dues before being let into "the club" and afforded the rights and privileges enjoyed by the tenured workers. There is always just-below-the-surface animosity between labor and management. But generally, the company finds a way to make it work. Also, it's a geek heaven....UPS is leaps and bounds ahead of FedEx when it comes to technology.
If you're nostalgic for the old-timey employer-employee relationship where you work at the same place your whole life and can retire with a gold watch and a pension, UPS is the place for you. And I mean that as a compliment. If, on the other hand, you like to shake things up and think outside the box, best not end up working at UPS.
As for this little shell game of claiming bailouts and unfair advantages...both companies are guilty. FedEx doesn't want to give up its airline status due to labor advantages and UPS calls its delivery trucks "package cars" to circumvent paying higher insurance premiums on its fleet. It's typical corporate bullshit.
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