People are different, some owners don't like to pay bottom dollar. And there are plenty of people making more than their minimum amount their willing to work for. It's not that cut-throat. You point is valid but there are reasons people make more than their absolute minimum.
As for the public and Fedex's image. No body cares.
Sorry to disagree. FedEx totally cares about their image and what the public thinks. That's why they lay it in with a trowel when it comes to self-promotion through charities, being green, and the rest of it. They love to get ahold of stupid employees who volunteer for the March of Dimes, United Way or whatever charity is out there and then give FedEx all the credit for it.
Look at the "sustainability" ads they have been running lately, touting how environmentally sensitive FedEx is...BS. It takes a lot of jet fuel, diesel, and electricity to get you a box of Shari's Berries.
You had better believe that they are upset about all of the Ground accidents too. The public image of FedEx is a carefully crafted magic act.