Union 'delighted' as Jet2 pilots win recognition

The pilots' trade union has recognition in every major UK airline after winning a deal with Jet2.com.

The government's central arbitration committee made the award after receiving evidence and submissions from the union and the airline's management and deciding that most Balpa members wanted to have their union recognised.

Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: "Our members in Jet2 are delighted. We look forward to taking up their issues with Jet2 and trust the company's management will not only meet their legal requirements but will actively engage in a partnership approach.

"Balpa now has recognition in all the major UK airline, freight and helicopter companies. Our membership is over 80 per cent of the UK's commercial pilots, which helps us improve flight safety and meet our vision of making every flight a safe flight.

"Having weathered the economic storm of the past two years and looking forward to 15 sets of pay negotiations in early 2011, we are in good shape to ensure our members are also fairly rewarded."