BALPA working with pilot unions in five airlines
21-Jul-2010 Pilots in British Airways, represented by BALPA (British Airline Pilots' Association), joined with pilots in Iberia, American Airlines, Finnair and Royal Jordanian today to note the trans-Atlantic regulatory approval of antitrust immunity which will establish the joint business agreement (JBA) between the five airlines and acknowledge that the respective employers will be seeking significant economic benefits.
Jim McAuslan, General Secretary of BALPA, said 'In turn, it is essential that our employers acknowledge our respective members' legitimate interests in job security and in ensuring the fair distribution of any economic benefits.
'To achieve our aims, we are committed to maintaining and furthering the close cooperation between our five pilot Associations while simultaneously respecting the autonomy and rights of each association.
'We have also agreed to meet regularly and establish an ongoing exchange of information relevant to the proposed JBA, including details of our collective bargaining agreements, national laws and regulations and current and proposed flying in the area covered by the JBA.
'Finally, and most importantly, we have agreed to develop and implement a mutual approach to protect the interests of all our pilots.'