FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2021
Contact: Denise Romano, dromano@twu.org
Blue Skies Ahead: JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers Ratify Inaugural Contract with the TWU
JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers (IFCs) decisively ratified their inaugural contract with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) on Monday, December 13. Successfully negotiating a first contract is not an easy feat to accomplish under ordinary circumstances, but during a worldwide pandemic amidst a skyrocketing uptick of assaults against aviation workers, it is truly impressive.
“This is a tremendous victory for our 5,500 IFCs at JetBlue. In this time of uncertainty and peril, there is no greater security for workers then a solid contract,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “As of today, our JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers are no longer ‘at-will’ employees of the carrier, but Union workers whose employment is secured by an enforceable collective bargaining agreement. What a huge difference it is.”
“This is a fantastic ending to a difficult fight. JetBlue IFCs will now enjoy all the benefits of a Union contract, no longer at the mercy of the Company’s whims,” said TWU Air Division Director Gary Peterson. “I look forward to continuing this journey together.”
“The airline industry, and especially our members who are deemed essential workers, were hit hard by Covid-19 – and are now experiencing a ridiculous rash of violence by unruly passengers. Ratifying this contract is an important step to protect our JetBlue IFCs in these tumultuous times, and in the future,” said TWU International Vice President Thom McDaniel.
After JetBlue IFCs voted overwhelmingly for union representation by the TWU in April 2018, bargaining began in August 2018. Negotiating Team members Stacy Bassford, Ernesto Gomez, Dee Lozito-Klimar, Brendan Moriarty and Sonya Payne worked to secure contractual protections and provisions, establishing a strong foundation to build upon. Here are a few examples:
- Recognition and Scope
- Grievance and Arbitration System
- Furlough and Recall
- Work rule improvements
- Health Insurance and Retirement
- Wage increases
- Vacation and PTO increases
The five-year contract will cover approximately 5,500 JetBlue IFCs.
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The Transport Workers Union of America represents more than 150,000 members across the airline, railroad, transit, universities, utilities and service sectors