By more than a 5-1 margin, pilots at NetJets ratified a five-year contract, which increases wages, offers job security and improves the standard of living at Berkshire Hathaway’s fractional airline company. The more than 2,000 pilots are represented by Local 1108 in Columbus, Ohio.

“This contract marks an outstanding victory for our pilots,” said Bill Olsen, President of Local 1108. “This sets the standard for business jet pilots in the industry. It was a long, hard fight, but our members stayed the course.”

In contract talks with NetJets since October 2001, the union leadership sought fair wages and benefits along with a decent quality of life for the workers. Though the membership rejected a tentative agreement presented in August 2004 by 82 percent, union officials feel this agreement addresses many of the issues.

"This is an unprecedented contract," said Don Treichler, Teamsters Airline Division Director. "This takes the workers up to the level of the legacy carriers, in terms of wages, working conditions and benefits."

The agreement secures, on average, a 40 to 60 percent increase in pay, based on years of service and equipment operated. While wage increases were an important part of the agreement, adding stronger contract language was also a priority for the NetJets pilots.

“With this agreement, a better future for the pilots and families can be assured,” Olsen said. “NetJets will no longer be a stepping stone to a career in the aviation industry, but rather a company where pilots remain for their career.”