Labor tensions at Columbus-based fractional air carrier NetJets appear to be worsening, according to statements from the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the union that represents over 3,400 pilots flying for NetJets Aviation, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway entity.
This week, the union criticized the company for what it sees as punitive actions against union leaders, highlighting an incident involving an NJASAP official who was subjected to a disciplinary investigation. This scrutiny reportedly stems from past lawful union activities, including picketing, which the union asserts are protected under labor laws. The investigation is seen by NJASAP as an attempt to interfere with internal union affairs and as an act of retaliation.
The union and the company had recently concluded a five-year collective bargaining agreement after a period marked by significant labor strife, during which NJASAP members held informational picketing and other public demonstrations to draw attention to their concerns.
NJASAP President Capt. Pedro Leroux commented on the current atmosphere, stating, “Even in the best of circumstances, collective bargaining can prove a very fraught moment, but negotiations are now behind us.” He added, “It is time to put emotion aside and to pour our focus into capitalizing on the unprecedented demand for our product.” However, Leroux expressed disappointment with the company’s approach, remarking, “Regrettably, management seems more interested in exacting a pound of flesh than accepting the olive branch we have extended on several occasions in recent months.”
Further illustrating the union’s grievances, during a three-hour meeting this past Tuesday, NJASAP Vice President Capt. Paulette Gilbert, who has been with NetJets for 23 years and maintains an unblemished professional record, was reportedly pressed for details concerning the union’s strategies and activities. The NJASAP Executive Board views this as a direct assault on the union’s leadership and membership. “We will not allow this effort to bully and to intimidate Union leaders to go unanswered,” stated Leroux.
Leroux also emphasized Gilbert’s pivotal role in the negotiations that led to a significant enhancement of their contract, saying, “As the Union Vice President, Paulette’s advocacy was essential to our effort to secure a $1.6B increase in the value of our contract.” He affirmed the union’s support for its vice president, declaring, “We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our colleague.”
The ongoing conflict between NJASAP and NetJets management underscores the challenges in labor-management relations, even with a newly signed agreement intended to bridge past divides.