Union responds to NetJets letter on pilot behavior

An independent labor union representing the 3,200-plus pilots who fly for NetJets, received a letter from the company’s counsel alleging that the union had condoned or encouraged pilots to engage in a work slowdown to negatively impact their operations. The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots reported receiving the letter from NetJets on Friday.

NetJets Aviation Inc. is a provider of luxury private air transportation. The company is a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

NetJets has alleged pilots were "spiking" fatigue rates, increasing the frequency of documenting maintenance issues on aircraft, and refusing to voluntarily extend their duty days.

The pilot’s union, NJASAP, says NetJets failed to provide any evidence to substantiate their claims.

NetJets attorneys demanded the union take disciplinary action, up to and including imposing financial penalties, against any pilots who engaged in such behavior.

“The company issued this demand while, once again, failing to identify a single pilot who engaged in any of the alleged conduct,” NJASAP said in a press release. The union adamantly denies it engaged in any effort to slow down NetJets operations.

“We have issued a communication to our members to cease and desist any individual efforts to do so," NJASAP President Capt. Pedro Leroux said. "We view NetJets' letter and threats as its latest attempt to censor NJASAP's ability to communicate with its members about important matters that affect flight crew and owner and customer safety."

Leroux went on to emphasize that NJASAP will vigorously defend itself against all allegations and will not be intimidated in its efforts to effectively represent the membership's interests.