FedEx to Offer DP Benefits

Memphis-based FedEx is finally going to offer domestic partnership benefits for same-sex couples

Advocate: FedEx to Offer DP Benefits

The move will most likely change FedEx’s ranking on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index — currently 70% out of a possible 100. Rival UPS, which has offered same-sex DP benefits since 2004, has a perfect 100% rating from HRC.

Will Obama Keep Promises to Gay Voters?

Obama in Hot Seat Over Partner Benefits
In one of the first tests of Obama's commitment to LGBT equal rights, he is being forced to decide whether same-sex federal employees are entitled to domestic partnership benefts. In two cases federal appeals court judges in California have ruled that the partners of gay employees should receive insurance benefits, while the Office of Personnel Management has told insurers not to provide the benefits, citing the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which Obama has opposed. Now his administration will be forced to take a position on DOMA.

The anti-gay right wing will jump on this issue and use the current economic crises to rally opposition to spending tax payers' money to provide insurance for the partners of federal gay employees. It will be a tough issue--one of many--to test Obama's commitment to LGBT equal rights.

The military's anti-gay "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is also under attack in several court cases, and Obama may have to make a decision on what to do about DADT very soon as well.

Hopefully Obama will not repeat the mistakes of Bill Clinton. Obama SHOULD stick to his "progressive values" and keep his promises to the gay community.

FedEx Does Not Deliver for Gays

Fed Ex Called Out for Domestic Partnership Benefits for Gay Employees

Although Fed Ex made Fortune's "Top 100 Best Companies to Work," Fed Ex only offers DP benefits to employees in California, where it is mandated by law to do so.

Gay FedEx Employees are publicizing their frustrations with the company on various blogs including this one from a Memphis Fed Ex Employee:
As a 23 year FedEx employee who works at FedEx World Headquarters in Memphis, TN, I was recently denied domestic partner benefits for my same-sex partner and bereavement leave once he passed away. I was asked to take personal or vacation time to make funeral arrangements. FORTUNE magazine got it wrong and/or FedEx lied on their survey submission. This is not a gay friendly employer as stated by FORTUNE or claimed by FedEx."

The Human Rights Campaign notes that although the company includes sexual orientation in its nondiscrimination policy, it doesn't include gender identity. They also point out that although FedEx says they offer domestic partner benefits, they only offer them to FedEx Office (used to be Kinko's) employees. The post goes on to add that FedEx does not offer partner benefits even in states where the law provides for marriage equality, citing the federal Defense of Marriage Act.