NetJets Aviation (NJA) has signed an initial contract with its flight attendants, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division, through Columbus-based Local 284.

The ratification of the contract follows a vote by the flight attendants in favor of the agreement negotiated by their executive council. The vote, which took place October 17, was supported by an overwhelming majority of the flight attendants.

The contract, is the first for the flight attendants and offers significant signing bonuses, wage increases, increased clarity of work rules concerning work schedules, duty and rest, increased benefits, and a defined right to the grievance and mediation process. The contract becomes amendable in 2010.

Present at the signing was NetJets Aviation President Bill Boisture, Local 284 President Allen Price, Michael Zois, chairman of the flight attendants' executive council, and flight attendant executive council members, Sean Dawson and Cliff Caldwell.

"I am delighted to be signing this contract today," said Bill Boisture, NetJets Aviation president. "NetJets flight attendants are critical members of our flight services and flight safety team."

The ratification of the flight attendants contract follows the announcement of a tentative labor agreement between NetJets Aviation and their pilots. NetJets Aviation is a wholly owned subsidiary of NetJets Inc. The operations center is located in Columbus, Ohio.

FMI: www.netjets.com