WASHINGTON— In light of termination of the merger agreement between JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), announced their focus on negotiating a successor collective bargaining agreement with the Company. JetBlue pilot leaders are focused and prepared to commence bargaining discussions for the pilot group’s next contract within the coming months.
Capt. Justin Houck, chair of the JetBlue ALPA Master Executive Council, stated, “When the merger was initially proposed, we opted for a short-term extension rather than a full comprehensive contract, anticipating a joint collective bargaining agreement post-merger. However, the court decision in January and subsequent termination of the deal has altered the landscape significantly. Our attention must shift to attaining our contractual objectives as a single, unified pilot group.”
JetBlue pilots ratified a short-term contract extension in January 2023 that focused on immediate economic improvements ensuring that JetBlue pilot pay would remain in line with the market for pilot compensation during a potentially lengthy merger process. Since that extension, pilots at other airlines—including at Delta and United—have negotiated contracts that not only further improve their compensation, but also achieve gains in work rules, quality of life, and benefits.
“While the contract extension last year served as a temporary measure during the merger process, it was never intended to substitute for a comprehensive contract,” continued Houck. “JetBlue pilots are now ready to achieve the full collective bargaining agreement they have earned.”
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