Only this place can take a thread about our pension and turn it into a political argument. Good God!
So, back to the PPA. The average new FedEx employee won't be around long enough to consider "retirement" from FedEx. They'll stay for a few years until they see there is zero future and then leave. At their initial low pay and glacial pay progression "steps", few will be able to save much anyway.
Another major takeaway and a "win" for Smith in terms of cutting his worker costs. Long-term, it's a very bad decision, because it's going to turn away quality recruits, and cause the few decent employees left to leave.
Why stay at Fred's salt mine when you can make the same money performing easier work, or go elsewhere and find an employer with better benefits.
If you don't want to go to college or trade school, consider UPS if you're already at FedEx. They'll like the fact you have some professional driving experience, and will pay you well while simultaneously working you into the ground. There's a good reason you don't see many older UPS package car drivers. If they haven't gone to feeders, they've left because their bodies can no longer take it.
The loss of the PPA should be another strong indicator for all that Fred doesn't vare about the future of his employees.
Leave. ASAP.