JetBlue pilots want to unionize

Nov. 14, 2008
JetBlue Pilots Association files papers for right to bargain for 2,000 workers

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Nov. 14--Pilots at JetBlue Airways Corp. have filed a petition to establish an independent union, becoming the first group of employees at the Forest Hills-based discount carrier to organize.

The JetBlue Pilots Association said on its Web site it has filed papers with the National Mediation Board for the right to bargain for 2,000 workers. JetBlue is the largest carrier in the nation without organized labor groups.

Michael Sorbie, a JetBlue captain, said the union would provide career protection for the airline's pilots.

"We have complete faith in our current company leadership and believe that this will be a cooperative effort," Sorbie said in a statement. "As our airline matures, we want to ensure that the career expectations of our pilots will remain intact regardless of organizational changes."

In a statement yesterday, JetBlue said, "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. We believe a direct relationship with the company is in our pilots' best interest."

The pilots association said it had notified company executives and directors before filing the petition.

"We welcome the opportunity to communicate concerns through a voice that is supported by the lawful process of the Railway Labor Act," the association said. "This process also provides a stability and cost certainty that will be beneficial to our company as we grow into the future."

Robert W. Mann Jr., an independent airline analyst and consultant in Port Washington, said JetBlue's business plan has changed under chief executive David Barger, who took over from founder David Neeleman in the spring of 2007.

The airline has been cutting flights and delaying acceptance of new jets as a major cost-cutting move.

"It's a changed business plan," Mann said. "That's probably the proximate cause" for the pilots' move.

Mann said he doubted the pilots' move would cause any immediate changes at the airline.

"The time to achieve a first contract is measured in years because you have to go through a protracted bargaining effort," Mann said. "Other than taking management's attention at a time when they can ill-afford it, it's not likely to have an effect for a long time."