Teamsters Airline Division Director David Bourne Says Pilots Have Done "What Is Best For Them"

In a statement following the rejection of union representation by JetBlue pilots, David Bourne, Teamsters Airline Division Director, said the division respects the efforts of the pilots of JetBlue as they have undertaken this uniquely personal process to determine what is best for them at this time.

"The Teamsters Union knows that JetBlue is a special brand of airline in this industry with a unique pilot group," Bourne said in a statement. "We understand that JetBlue Pilots are looking for unique solutions, and are not interested in going down the old road from which many have come so far and paid so dearly and are looking for a new road to travel, just as their airline did over 12 years ago. 

"JetBlue has an individual culture in this industry. The preservation of that culture is paramount to ensuring the success of JetBlue in the future. The Teamsters Airline Division extends its support as the JetBlue pilots move forward."

Bourne left the door open for future efforts at organization. "Should the JetBlue pilots group ever have concerns and seek advice, they should be assured that the Teamsters Airline Division will always be available and ready to serve the JetBlue pilots through affiliation including the Teamsters Union's membership with CAPA, with services agreements (insurance, legal protection, safety etc.), or by the establishment of a unique JetBlue local counsel to run independently within the Teamsters Airline Division," he said in the statement. "We stand ready to assist in whatever way we can. Together airline labor will succeed."

FMI: www.teamster.org