JetBlue Pilots Voted to Unionize
JetBlue pilots voted to unionize earlier today, a move that ends the carrier’s status as the biggest U.S. airline without a union. The pilots will be represented by the Air Line Pilots Association. The pilots “yes” vote on unionization comes after the New York-based carrier had rejected unionization attempts in 2009 and 2011. About 74% (2,600 total pilots) of the airline’s eligible pilots voted to join ALPA, which already represents about 50,000 pilots nationwide.
JetBlue CEO Dave Barger offered a brief one-sentence statement acknowledging the pilots’ decision:
The National Mediation Board will authorize ALPA as the representative body for JetBlue pilots, and then both JetBlue and ALPA will organize negotiating committees.
Do you think JetBlue pilots will be better off in a union? I’m personally not big on unions, they usually drive up airfare and hinder efficiency. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
