Columbus, OH – December 10, 2007 – NetJets Aviation and Teamsters Local 1108 are pleased to announce the pilot group approved a major amendment and extension to their collective bargaining agreement on Friday. The NetJets Aviation Pilot Union represents more than 2,600 pilots with 75.7 percent of eligible members voting in favor of the measure; voter participation reached a historic 95.8 percent.
By mutual agreement, Union and Company officials began in late April a process referred to as interest-based bargaining – a style of contract negotiating that is rarely successful in the aviation industry. The parties agreed to an aggressive deadline to ensure focus on completing the measure.
NetJets Inc. Chairman Richard T. Santulli praised the results, saying: “The overwhelming turnout and strong approval of the agreement is a testament to the fact that both sides negotiated in good faith using interest-based bargaining. This agreement would not have been reached without the true spirit of cooperation and dedication Union leadership displayed throughout the process. With this contract, NetJets Aviation offers its pilots career opportunities and a quality of life that are unmatched in the industry. This agreement maintains NetJets’ leadership position and enables us to continue to provide the best service available in private aviation.”
NetJets Master Executive Council (MEC) Chairman Dennis Cotton agreed, “Each side made a genuine effort to reach an agreement from which both would benefit; ultimately, this commitment was central to the effort’s success.” Cotton was similarly pleased with voter participation. “With more than 95 percent of our pilots participating in the referendum, we have gained the kind of survey data that money simply cannot buy,” he said. “This is the truest measure of pilot engagement in their union and the union’s activities.”
The agreement, which was signed late Friday evening at the NetJets Aviation facility, will become amendable in 5 1/2 years; however, a provision was included in the contract that allows for a three-year extension should NetJets meet certain parameters.
NetJets Aviation is a wholly owned subsidiary of NetJets Inc. The operations center is located in Columbus, Ohio.