NetJets Pilots Overwhelmingly Approve Contracttitle
84 Percent of Voters Ratify New Five-Year Agreement
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Pilots at NetJets overwhelmingly
ratified a five-year contract by more than a 5-1 margin in favor of the new
agreement that increases wages, offers job security and improves the quality
of life for pilots at Berkshire Hathaways fractional airline company.
"This contract marks an outstanding victory for our pilots," said Bill
Olsen, President of Teamsters Local 1108 in Columbus, Ohio. "This sets the
standard for business jet pilots in the jet industry. It was a long, hard
fight, but our members stayed the course."
In contract talks with NetJets since October 2001, the union leadership
sought fair wages and benefits along with a decent quality of life for its
members. The membership rejected by 82 percent a tentative agreement presented
in August 2004, but union officials feel this agreement addressees many of the
issues.
"This is an unprecedented contract," said Don Treichler, Teamsters Airline
Division Director. "This takes the workers up to the level of the legacy
carriers in terms of wages, working conditions and benefits."
The agreement secures, on average, a 40 to 60 percent increase in pay
based on years of service and equipment operated. While wage increases were an
important part of the agreement, adding language that offers improvements for
the quality of life for NetJets pilots was also a priority.
"With this agreement a better future for the pilots and families can be
assured," Olsen said. "NetJets will no longer be a stepping stone to a career
in the aviation industry, but rather a company where pilots remain for their
career."
The NetJets pilot force, consisting of more than 2,000 pilots, is part of
the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1108.
