JetBlue pilots vote for union recognition
At the third time of asking, JetBlue pilots have voted overwhelmingly to join the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) union.
The 71% yes vote out of 2,529 pilots polled gives ALPA a seat at the table during collective bargaining and brings to an end JetBlue’s status as the largest US airline without union representation.
It follows two previous ‘no’ votes to become unionized, in 2008 and 2011.
A JetBlue statement said: "The National Mediation Board will authorize ALPA as the representative body for JetBlue pilots, and then both JetBlue and ALPA will organize negotiating committees."
ALPA already represents over 50,000 pilots in the US and Canada.
The airline previously said unionization "may result in demands that may increase our operating expenses and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations."
It said costs would likely rise anyway due to an existing agreement with pilots to raise base pay rates by 20%.
JetBlue shares fell 1.9% at the close after news of the vote.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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