Release #: 14.34
April 22, 2014

JetBlue Pilots Vote for ALPA by Overwhelming Margin

WASHINGTON – Today, the National Mediation Board (NMB) announced that the 2,600+ pilots at JetBlue Airways voted overwhelmingly to join the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).

Of the votes cast, 71% of JetBlue pilots voted for ALPA. The win shows the strong desire of JetBlue pilots to gain a meaningful voice in their future, the certainty of a collective bargaining agreement, and the resources needed to be relevant. These objectives motivated the overwhelming grass roots effort by JetBlue pilots which led to today’s vote.

“ALPA welcomes the JetBlue pilots,” said Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA president. “The Association is ready to work with JetBlue pilots to achieve their goals. They make our union stronger by adding their unified voices to the Association's strong bargaining and advocacy efforts. ”

Watch a video statement from Capt. Moak. 

“Today, JetBlue pilots have voted for ALPA representation so that we have the ability to improve our professional careers,” said Captains Gustavo Rivera and Rocky Durham, co-chairs of the JetBlue Organizing Committee. “As committed as we are to our objectives, we also want to work with management to ensure we continue to contribute positively to JetBlue's success. We believe in JetBlue and look forward to helping make this company one of the best in the industry.”

The focus for JetBlue pilots now shifts to establishing pilot representatives, setting up pilot committees in key areas, and starting the work to negotiate the first collective bargaining agreement.

“JetBlue pilot members immediately have available ALPA's aeromedical advisors and insurance benefits. The Association's world-class safety structure is also ready to go,” said Moak. "We'll now start working hand-in-hand with JetBlue pilot representatives to set up the structure for them to make democratic decisions about their future and help negotiate their first contract.”

-###-