(RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio) – Yesterday, a federal judge from the United States District Court for the Northern District in Cleveland granted a request from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Teamsters Airline Division and Local 1108 to order Flexjet and Flight Options to bargain with the union and to recognize the integrated seniority list presented by the Teamsters.

The decision follows months of delay tactics by One Sky, LLC, the parent company of Flexjet and Flight Options, which provides luxury private jet transportation. Senior management refused to negotiate with the Teamsters, did not recognize the integrated seniority list following a Teamster organizing victory in December 2015 and countersued the union without basis.

“I applaud the judge for making the correct decision,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “The court has sent a clear legal message to Flight Options: stop the anti-union actions against our pilots. We are ready to negotiate a contract for these workers and the company should come to its senses and do the same.”

“The court upheld what we’ve long maintained—that Flexjet and Flight Options pilots deserve fair negotiations sessions,” said Capt. Efrem Vojta, President of Teamsters Local 1108. “It is not unreasonable to ask a company to recognize the results of a fair and certified election. It is not unreasonable to ask a company to negotiate a fair contract for their workers. It is a shame that we have to go through the legal system to attain these baseline recognitions for our members. With today’s ruling, I am hopeful that will change.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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