Fri, Sep 16, 2005
Fractional Pilots Demand Better Wages and Benefits
NetJets pilots picketed
Wednesday at Centennial Airport outside the TAC Air facility to
"raise awareness about protracted, four-year contract negotiations
with NetJets Aviation Inc."
Pilots who work for NetJets, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's
conglomerate, claim that they "provide transportation solutions to
some of the world's wealthiest and most influential individuals to
destinations around the world on-demand."
It is the pilots' contention that are recognized as the safest
in the private jet industry, yet endure low wages, insufficient
benefits and unreasonable scheduling demands. The average salary
for a NetJets first officer is only 40 percent of the industry
average for the same type of equipment flown.
The average salary of a
NetJets captain is only 55 percent of the industry average for the
same type of equipment flown. The starting salary for a NetJets
first officer is $27,108 annually.
NetJets has been a pivotal player in the fractional industry
since its inception and currently claims over half of the market
share.
"It is time for senior management to do what is right and agree
to a contract that recognizes the dedication and excellence of
these pilots," said Sonya Cook, spokesperson for Teamsters Local
1108 in Columbus, Ohio.
In July, NetJets pilots voted overwhelmingly to authorize a
strike. "The pilots have become impatient and disgusted with the
surface bargaining and delay tactics of management," Cook said.
"The pilots have lost confidence in management and strike
preparations have begun in earnest."
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