Quote/email from Jetblue Jumpseat coordinator
Unfortunately, I feel we have reached an impasse with our jumpseat issues with NWA, in fact we are seeing it deteriorate even further. This does not imply that we will not continue to work toward a solution; it’s just a notice to our pilots that frequent NWA jumpseats for your commute to plan alternatives.
We had three of our pilots denied a jumpseat ride on NWA last week. We reported all three cases to the NWA jumpseat coordinator. The response we received was, “I spoke with ____ regarding his handling of the situation. Sorry, but our Captains have the authority to take or deny anyone they choose. I cannot force them to take anyone but a Fed. Unfortunately, it may get worse as our contract, work rules, and lifestyle degrade.”
I don’t interpret his message as a threat but rather as a matter of fact. Obviously the issues with their contract, work rules, and lifestyle degrade, are not the fault of jetBlue pilots. All we are is a convenient punching bag. The dilemma is that no one with the ability is correcting the miss-information.
For anyone that depends on NWA for your commute you should carry a non-rev pass as a back up. You can obtain a pass authorization by filling out an online form on the Pass Bureau website:
Also, please continue to send any reports of jumpseat issues on NWA. Each report is followed up with and is the only avenue we are offered toward a remedy at this point. We’ve been assured that each incident is followed up with the offender. We need: DATE, LOCATION, FLT #, CITY PAIR, and the name of the captain if possible.
As we persist to work on this issues, please continue to welcome all our off line jumpseat riders with our renown hospitality. Any type of retaliation or intimidation would only further deteriorate this situation.
Hey All,
I finally got hold of our JS coordinator. I must have used a bad email address but I did speak with him by phone. His position is a tricky one. He does defend the rights of all jumpseating pilots. His ideal concept would be for him to call the offending Captain, and have a discussion about how we all need each other to get to work etc, etc,. However, he said, it does not work that way. He has talked himself blue in the face to the individuals involved, and they (the Captains) stand by their rights to control their jumpseat. Our JS coordinator did say this is not a widespread conspiricy, just a handfull of guys with an "out there" notion that they are somehow making a statement. Our JS guy did say he would make a particular effort in the case of the Jet Blue pilots to try and explain to the offending Captain, that he was not making matters better for jumpseating in general, and that the action of denying the jump seat reflects poorly on our (NWA's) professionalisn. He is very synpathetic to the pilots who have had to go through this but he is limited in his power. He is also thankful of the professionalism the JetBlue folks have displayed. I wish I had a better report that had the problem solved. I will continue to spread the word on an individual basis with the Captains I fly with about this subject.
Deli Guy
Unfortunately, I feel we have reached an impasse with our jumpseat issues with NWA, in fact we are seeing it deteriorate even further. This does not imply that we will not continue to work toward a solution; it’s just a notice to our pilots that frequent NWA jumpseats for your commute to plan alternatives.
We had three of our pilots denied a jumpseat ride on NWA last week. We reported all three cases to the NWA jumpseat coordinator. The response we received was, “I spoke with ____ regarding his handling of the situation. Sorry, but our Captains have the authority to take or deny anyone they choose. I cannot force them to take anyone but a Fed. Unfortunately, it may get worse as our contract, work rules, and lifestyle degrade.”
I don’t interpret his message as a threat but rather as a matter of fact. Obviously the issues with their contract, work rules, and lifestyle degrade, are not the fault of jetBlue pilots. All we are is a convenient punching bag. The dilemma is that no one with the ability is correcting the miss-information.
For anyone that depends on NWA for your commute you should carry a non-rev pass as a back up. You can obtain a pass authorization by filling out an online form on the Pass Bureau website:
Also, please continue to send any reports of jumpseat issues on NWA. Each report is followed up with and is the only avenue we are offered toward a remedy at this point. We’ve been assured that each incident is followed up with the offender. We need: DATE, LOCATION, FLT #, CITY PAIR, and the name of the captain if possible.
As we persist to work on this issues, please continue to welcome all our off line jumpseat riders with our renown hospitality. Any type of retaliation or intimidation would only further deteriorate this situation.
Hey All,
I finally got hold of our JS coordinator. I must have used a bad email address but I did speak with him by phone. His position is a tricky one. He does defend the rights of all jumpseating pilots. His ideal concept would be for him to call the offending Captain, and have a discussion about how we all need each other to get to work etc, etc,. However, he said, it does not work that way. He has talked himself blue in the face to the individuals involved, and they (the Captains) stand by their rights to control their jumpseat. Our JS coordinator did say this is not a widespread conspiricy, just a handfull of guys with an "out there" notion that they are somehow making a statement. Our JS guy did say he would make a particular effort in the case of the Jet Blue pilots to try and explain to the offending Captain, that he was not making matters better for jumpseating in general, and that the action of denying the jump seat reflects poorly on our (NWA's) professionalisn. He is very synpathetic to the pilots who have had to go through this but he is limited in his power. He is also thankful of the professionalism the JetBlue folks have displayed. I wish I had a better report that had the problem solved. I will continue to spread the word on an individual basis with the Captains I fly with about this subject.
Deli Guy
