The tentative labor agreement would have allowed FedEx Express to place more work during surge periods with third-party airlines without paying a higher penalty, but many pilots were concerned that language prohibiting outsourcing if FedEx reduces flight hours or furlough pilots wasn't strong enough.

In a landmark decision, FedEx pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) rejected a tentative contract agreement primarily due to concerns over job security, retirement benefits, and inflation-adjusted pay. The rejection reflected a growing frustration among crew members regarding the "Drive to 2025" efficiency plan, which many feared would lead to increased outsourcing and the reduction of pilot roles as the company integrated its Express and Ground networks. Pilots argued that the proposed pay increases did not sufficiently match the historic gains seen at passenger airlines like Delta and United, particularly given the high-stress, long-haul nature of global cargo operations. Additionally, the lack of substantial improvements to the "back-loaded" pension and disability benefits was a major sticking point. By voting "No," the pilots signaled that they expected a contract that better reflected their contribution to the company's record profits during the logistics boom and provided firmer protections against future automation or network consolidation.