Fedex driver says he was fired after confrontation
A driver for a Fedex Ground contractor said he and his coworker were fired after he posted a video of a confrontation between them and a Fedex customer in Georgia.
Antonio Braswell said on Twitter Wednesday morning that they delivered the customer’s package and the customer “ran out of his house cursing and threatening us” as they were leaving. According to Braswell, “we just apologized but he kept escalating the situation then kept saying he would whoop out black a **** ."
As the situation escalated, the man began recording the employees on his phone. Braswell said the man and his wife then shouted an expletive at them. Braswell then began recording the encounter himself.
“… I’m reposting this video because people like him doesn’t matter white or any race should never disrespect essential workers putting their lives in jeopardy especially with this covid-19,” Braswell said on Twitter.
In a statement Thursday morning, Fedex said it “takes extremely seriously any allegations of discrimination, retaliation, or improper employment actions.”
“These individuals are employed by an independent service provider and
Fedex will be conducting a thorough investigation into these claims,” the company said. “While we conduct this investigation, Fedex will provide employment for these drivers.”
Fedex Ground drivers are employed by independent service providers who contract with Fedex to deliver packages.
Police arrived after Braswell recorded the encounter. The customer told the police that the employees “’look like they would’ve broke into my house while my wife is there,’” Braswell said.
Braswell said on Twitter that Fedex told him to take down the video. He said he appreciated his job opportunity with Fedex and had “no hard feelings,” but added that he wants to get back on his feet to provide for his daughter.
Fedex and Braswell did not say which contractor he worked for. Braswell did not respond to a request for comment.
A Gofundme page Braswell posted a link to names the other employee as Felinzay but does not give a full name. According to the page, the employees were on a delivery route in Leesburg, Georgia. The page said the funds will be split evenly between the two.
Max Garland covers Fedex, logistics and health care for The Commercial Appeal. Reach him at max.garland@com mercialappeal.com or 901-529-2651 and on Twitter @Maxgarlandtypes.