Say Companies Are Delaying Negotiations, Disrespecting Pilots

The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP) is lending its voice in support of the Flight Options and Flexjet pilots. On Tuesday, their union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, filed an answer and counterclaim in federal court in response to a lawsuit filed by Flexjet and Flight Options. The union's legal papers address management's refusal to negotiate with Teamsters Local 1108 in violation of the Railway Labor Act.

"Flexjet and Flight Options management's continuing refusal to respect their pilots' decision to form a union and to engage in bargaining and arbitration is an absurd – and entirely unnecessary – waste of time and money," NJASAP President Pedro Leroux said. "Fighting their own pilots serves no purpose: The far wiser course of action dictates management recognize their union and negotiate an agreement that reflects the pilot group's skill and professionalism."

NJASAP views management's lawsuit brought against the Teamsters, ostensibly in response to the manner in which the two pilot groups chose to integrate their seniority lists, as yet another tactic to delay contract talks and to undermine the Union's legitimacy. When two pilot groups are combined, federal law in combination with existing collective bargaining agreements set forth the parameters for a seniority list integration. "It's time for management to accept the fact that these pilots have a union now," Leroux explained. "Management's actions are only delaying the inevitable – recognizing and respecting their pilot group."

A fervent advocate of mutual support, NJASAP has pledged to continue to lend its expertise and energy to its Local 1108 peers in the weeks and months to come. "Our recently concluded contract negotiation demonstrates the unparalleled power of member solidarity," Leroux said. "NJASAP's 2,700-plus members will continue to offer the benefit of the lessons learned during a very contentious bargaining cycle to our Local 1108 peers."

(Source: NJASAP news release)

FMI: www.njasap.com