TWU/JetBlue IFC Negotiating Team has Reached a Tentative Agreement with JetBlue
Your TWU/JetBlue IFC Negotiating Team (NT) is proud to announce the culmination of our efforts from the past two years—we have reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) on the historic first contract for our JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers (IFCs). As challenging as first contracts typically are, there was nothing to prepare us for the catastrophic effects of a global pandemic on our entire industry, but we feel confident we are providing you a contract that will help all of us navigate these unpredictable times.
President John Samuelsen of the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO stated on hearing the news, “Our negotiating team recognized the importance of bargaining this inaugural agreement, prioritizing our members’ long-term job security, codification of work rules and quality of life issues into this agreement. Bringing 5000+ Crewmembers under the protection of a trade union contract right smack in the middle of COVID-19 is a Herculean achievement.” We thank him and all of our TWU advisors for their support.
We have reached a point of great uncertainty in the airline industry, so it is essential that our front-line, essential JetBlue IFCs have the work rules, job security, furlough protection, grievance procedures, and merger/acquisition protection that only a legally binding contract can provide.
As JetBlue IFCs, your NT understands the complexities of working during the time of COVID-19. We pivoted from face-to-face bargaining to online negotiations because we know how important it is for us to have a union contract, instead of continuing as “at-will employees” with no rights or protection in the workplace.
Your NT is continuing to work with JetBlue Leadership in reviewing the final TA. It’s absolutely vital that we clarify all the language in the agreement before it is released. In the meantime, we will also be coordinating with your Contact Action Team to ensure we have a team of educators ready to answer all of your questions.
As we move into the final stage of our negotiations process, we want to thank you for all you have done to support us on the NT. You asked us lots of questions, you shared your issues with us, you took the surveys we published, and you responded when we asked. Every time you provided us with your personal situations, it helped us at the negotiating table, and we’re grateful for all your input.
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Thank you again, and we look forward to providing the full TA to you very soon.