MEC Leadership, Pilot Unity Credited As Keys To Success

The pilots of Jazz Air LP, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today announced they have ratified a tentative agreement with management. Of the 90 percent of Jazz pilots who voted, 86 percent cast ballots in favor of the agreement.

"We are really pleased with the results,” said Capt. Brian Shury, chairman of the pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC). “With these strong numbers, our pilots have once again demonstrated their unity of purpose as they have done throughout the entire collective bargaining process.”

The agreement was ratified by the pilots following an intense 60-day period of conciliation and a subsequent 21-day cooling-off period in which the Jazz MEC and Negotiating Committee were able to avert a strike or lockout and reach an agreement with Jazz Air LP management. The achievements made in the TA reflect advances in nearly all areas, including improvements in pension, pay rate, and lifestyle considerations that take into account fatigue mitigation factors.

“I want to congratulate the Jazz bargaining team and the pilot group’s leadership for achieving much-needed improvements in the cornerstone areas of their contract,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA president. “Their unwavering dedication to accomplishing their contract goals, combined with the solidarity of the Jazz membership with their MEC and Negotiating teams, provided the strength and discipline to get the job done.”

Jazz Air pilots and management now begin the process of implementing the new collective agreement. “This is rarely a smooth process, and there are bound to be issues in the next couple of months. However, Jazz pilots have spoken with a unified voice, and we expect management to deal responsibly and expeditiously with the implementation of the new agreement,” Capt. Shury said. “We will also ensure that our management develops a new approach that respects the pilot group’s contribution to the enterprise.”

"I sincerely thank our employees and representatives from ALPA for their hard work and professionalism to reach this new collective agreement," said Joseph D. Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jazz, in a statement on the company website. "The term of the agreement provides the stability we require to continue to grow and diversify our business."

FMI: www.alpa.org