NetJets “singled out an elected union official for investigation” says union

Labour relations at Columbus-based fractional air carrier NetJets continue to “disintegrate” according to the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the independent pilot union representing the 3,400-plus pilots who fly on behalf of NetJets Aviation. The union said the company “reached a new low” earlier this week when its managers “singled out an elected NJASAP official for a disciplinary investigation over lawful union picketing in the past, probing into internal union affairs”, which it described as ""retaliation and intimidation"" since the two parties had recently signed a five-year collective bargaining agreement, following a contentious labour dispute during which NJASAP members engaged in informational picketing and other demonstrations. A statement from the NJASAP said: “During a three-hour meeting this past Tuesday morning, NJASAP Vice President Capt. Paulette Gilbert, a 23-year NetJets employee with an unblemished professional record, was interrogated and repeatedly asked for details about various matters, including the Union's lawful and protected activities conducted by the Union's strategy group. “The NJASAP Executive Board views this as a direct attack on the Union, its members and elected officials"". ""We will not allow this effort to bully and to intimidate Union leaders to go unanswered. As the Union Vice President, Paulette's advocacy was essential to our effort to secure a $1.6B increase in the value of our contract,"" Leroux said. When asked for comment, a spokesperson for NetJets said: “NetJets doesn’t comment on investigations involving its employees, regardless of their union affiliation”.