JetBlue pilots request to open contract negotiations

JetBlue Airways pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, (ALPA), have sent official notice to company management requesting to open contract negotiations under the federal Railway Labor Act.

The notice marks the first labor negotiations in the history of JetBlue from any segment of its workforce. JetBlue pilots voted overwhelmingly to join ALPA in April 2014. They are the only unionized workforce at the airline.

JetBlue pilots’ Master Executive Council chairman Jim Bigham said, “While we see the bargaining process as an opportunity to make positive changes for our pilots, we hold no illusions that this will be an easy process. However, while attaining our first labor agreement will require intense focus and commitment, we also will continue to work with management to ensure we contribute positively to JetBlue’s success.”

According to ALPA, negotiations are scheduled to begin on March 31, 2015, in New York. Future negotiations will alternate between New York and Washington DC.

(Linda Blachly - ATWOnline News)