Word is...

[gunfyter]

cards were returned by over 2/3 of the Flight Options pilot group to facilitate a representation election under the supervision of the NMB.

 

[Grizz]

They were presented to the NMB today.

 

[angryoneincher]

Hope the pilot group at Avantair follow suit.

 

[FracCapt]

They were presented to the NMB today.

Good to know! I'm assuming a vote will occur in about 90 days....so the next 90 days should be interesting in terms of what the company will try. Of course, we know the first announcement will be "no raise because the Union won't let us do it!". This is not mere coincidence that they delayed this "new compensation package" until the end of the month...they knew the NMB would be petitioned for a vote before then.

 

[ghostrider64]

WEll good luck to FLOPS. But remember there are no freebies. You must have a very solidified group in order to be effective during negotiations. It will be a very painful experience and I hope you learned from our ordeal how not to go.

My little lessons for a good contract in a reasonable time period.

1) Zero Favors
2) Never carry a single write up. If it is MEL'd cool if it's broken you do not fly.
3) Never extend.

Those simple rules worked for us. But beware you will see amongst yourselves where the real company folks lay. They will be bad mouthing the Union and receiving "special" handling from management and they will be working many extra days and hours at the collective whole's expense.

Good luck and feel free to ask the line pilots at NJA for help if you need it.

 

[Semore Butts]

Good Luck Flight Options

I know I speak for a majority at Netjets when I say, Great job!

Your work has just begun.

Good luck to you, and thanks for all those of you that supported us at NJA.

Take care,

 

[LAZYB]

Workers Seek Voice in Workplace Rules, Fair Treatment and Wages

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 830 pilots from Raytheon-
owned business jet operator Flight Options filed for Teamster representation
today at the National Mediation Board, taking the first step toward securing a
voice at the Cleveland, Ohio-based company.
The pilots' concerns include securing a contract with wages, benefits and
working conditions comparable to industry standards, along with enhancements
to existing job security and workers protections.
"These are some of the best pilots in the industry and they deserve
nothing less than industry standards," said Bill Olsen, President of Teamsters
Local 1108 in Columbus, Ohio. "They deserve a strong voice in their workplace
that will represent their collective interests regarding their working
conditions and quality of life."
Flight Options is one of the largest fractional jet-ownership airlines in
the U.S. The company's pilots are based across the country and operate one of
the largest business aircraft fleets in world, flying some of the world's
wealthiest and well known individuals in corporate America, sports, and
entertainment.
Local 1108 is comprised of approximately 2,400 pilots for NetJets Inc.,
the country's largest fractional jet-ownership airline. In November, the
NetJets pilots overwhelmingly ratified an industry-setting contract, which
secured, on average, a 40 to 60 percent increase in pay based on years of
service and equipment operated, as well as quality of life improvements.
"With Local 1108's agreement, a better future for the pilots and families
is assured," said Don Treichler, Teamsters Airline Division Director. "Pilots
at Flight Options deserve the same."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents
more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States
and Canada.


SOURCE Teamsters Local 1108
Web Site: http://www.teamster.org

 

[netjetwife]

Excellent news!

My admiration and congratulations to all involved.
A card to the Options group---

http://www.bluemountain.com/view.pd?i=134294629&m=1932&rr=y&source=bma999

 

[p3hawk]

Talk about a LEAP of faith,Whew

 

[leardawg]

It's about time! I'm not by nature someone who gravitates to the idea of a union, but in the 3 years I was at FLOPS I went from a "Do we really need a union and does it have to be the Teamsters?" attitude to one of "This sh*t's gotta stop!" I sent my card in before I left, and I hope it helped in a little way. Good luck to you guys; you deserve a break in the form of an outstanding contract. You've earned it in spades!