Independent Pilot Labor Views Coordinated Call For Intervention As Critical Turning Point

The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP) and Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) announced that representatives from both pilot unions met with Trump administration officials today to discuss former President Obama's decision to grant Norwegian Air International's (NAI) application for a foreign air carrier permit.

"The Trump Administration's willingness to discuss this matter is a critical step in the right direction for aviation and pilot labor," NJASAP President Pedro Leroux said. "The move is consistent with President Trump's pro-American worker narrative, and we are heartened by his interest in this issue – one that we view as posing a definitive threat to the future of the aviation industry."

Late last month, more than 140 pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics staged the #MakeItRight Support Rally outside the White House, calling on administration officials to reverse the Obama Administration decision they characterized as an anti-worker move that threatens not only the aviation industry, but also the safety of the flying public.

"Simply put, this egregious trade deal is very bad for middle-class U.S. workers, and President Trump has obviously recognized the importance of moving intentionally on a matter that puts one of America's most vital industries at risk," SWAPA President Jon Weaks said. "We are incredibly encouraged, and both the NetJets and Southwest pilot unions are very pleased that our efforts have helped to advance this issue to the highest levels of the administration."

Invigorated by this latest development, the NJASAP and SWAPA memberships will continue to encourage President Trump to #DenyNAI through social media and other outreach efforts. "We were very encouraged by the Trump administration's willingness to meet," Leroux said, "but to save tens of thousands of American jobs from foreign interests, decisive action on this matter is a must."

(Source: NJASAP news release)

FMI: www.swapa.org, www.njasap.com