ATW Daily News

JetBlue pilots seek to unionize

Friday November 14, 2008

The JetBlue Pilots Assn. filed a petition with the US National Mediation Board this week seeking to become the bargaining agent for the carrier's nearly 2,000 pilots.

JBPA leaders said they want formal recognition in order to provide career protection for pilots that will help "redefine pilot-labor relations in our industry." The in-house body would be not affiliated with a national union.

"As our airline matures, we want to ensure that the career expectations of our pilots will remain intact regardless of organizational changes," a JBPA statement said. "We welcome the opportunity to communicate concerns through a voice that is supported by the lawful process of the Railway Labor Act."

The industry believes that President-elect Barack Obama's incoming administration could be more sympathetic to labor unions and labor organizing than its predecessor (ATWOnline, Nov. 7). Two of the NMB's three members traditionally represent the sitting President's party.

"We have been advised that it is JBPA's intention to file a petition for election but have not yet been notified by the National Mediation Board," a JetBlue spokesperson told ATWOnline. "We believe a direct relationship with the company is in our pilots' best interests."

by Sandra Arnoult

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