NetJets workers are voicing their opposition to cost cutting demands and work proposals that they say will effect their ability to perform their jobs. The technicians and flight dispatchers are preparing to vote on a strike authorization. The latest dispute at NetJets comes after previous cost cutting measures involving pilots and flight attendants. The issues involving the company may effect other employees working in cabin cleaning, catering, dispatching, fuel handling, maintenance, and stocking. Some workers have been waiting for more than 5 years for a new contract.
NetJets Business Model
NetJets, a unit of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway offers fractional ownership and charter flight services to corporate executives, wealthy individuals, and public figures. The company’s customers pay from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to fly on the private aircraft rather than on commercial airlines used by the public. NetJets is looking to replace its flight dispatchers with automation software, as it looks to lower the cost of maintenance on its aircraft. The company placed the largest aircraft order in private aviation history in 2012. The order consisted of a firm order for 75 Bombardier Challenger 350 and 25 Challenger 650 aircraft. Options included an additional 125 Challenger 350 and 50 Challenger 650 planes. The company also placed a firm order on the same day for an additional 25 Cessna Citation Latitude jets, with the option for up to 125 more of the aircraft.
Image from www.netjets.com