The Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) recently released $2.5 million from its $47 million Major Contingency Fund to support JetBlue Airways’ contract negotiations.
JetBlue’s 3,400 pilots have been in negotiations for two years.
Funds will be used for marketing materials, family awareness events, picketing and rallies.
“While we continue to narrow our differences on key parts of the contract, the pace at the table has slowed,” Capt. Patrick Walsh, ALPA chairman, said. “The approval of this grant should put JetBlue management on notice that ALPA and all ALPA members unequivocally support our pilots’ progress toward a collective bargaining agreement that will bring our compensation, work rules, and benefits in line with our fellow pilots across the industry.”
JetBlue’s pilots are the only unionized workers at the airline and are currently working without a contract.
In recent months, other airlines have offered pilots raises and additional benefits in an attempt to retain employees.
Delta pilots received an 18 percent increase with pay raises over the next three years. United pilots received a 16 percent increase. After the Delta contract was accepted, United received an additional 4.5 percent rise.
By the time their contract expires in 2022, Hawaiian pilots’ salaries will have grown between 36 percent and 86 percent.
Southwest pilots received a 15 percent increase and American Airlines 8 percent.