Latest Employees To Sign Five-Year Agreement

On Tuesday, mechanics and related workers represented by Teamsters Local 284 in Columbus, OH signed a five-year contract with NetJets, Inc. Representatives with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents the mechanics, told ANN the agreement strengthens wages and job security, and provides significant signing bonuses for workers at the Berkshire Hathaway-owned carrier.

"The contract proves a company can dominate its market and provide its hardworking employees with fair wages, benefits and job security at the same time," said Don Treichler, Teamsters Airline Division Director. "With this contract we've established long-lasting labor peace with NetJets."

Ratified 94-30 by workers on January 4, the contract increases job security by reducing maintenance operations performed by non-unionized workers and provides for an increase in the number of unionized mechanics. Health, dental and vision insurance coverage are also guaranteed, at no cost to the employees through 2008 and with protections against rising insurance premium contributions in future years. The agreement also secures annual wage increases and seniority-based signing bonuses of up to $10,000 per employee.

"This agreement reflects NetJets’ commitment to the highest standards of flight safety and maintenance and the vital role of NetJets' maintenance workers in upholding these standards," said NetJets Aviation Chairman Richard Santulli. "This newly negotiated contract is in addition to recent labor agreements with our pilots and flight attendants. With these three agreements in place, we look forward to a collaborative and harmonious labor environment that will enable us all to look to the future and experience continued growth."

The contract is the third five-year agreement reached recently by NetJets and workers. The carrier's employees -- approximately 2,600 pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 1108 in Gahanna, OH and some 150 mechanics and 155 flight attendants represented by Local 284 -- have more favorable secured wages, benefits and working conditions.

"Over the negotiating process NetJets developed systems to work with its unions in a cooperative manner," said Mark Luthi, Airline Division Associate Director. "We applaud their actions. These contracts assure cooperative and productive flight operations for years to come."

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million members in the United States and Canada.

FMI: www.teamsters.org, www.netjets.com