Jet2 pilots have told their employer they’d be happy to sacrifice a pay rise this year in exchange for rosters that allow a better work-life balance, according to BALPA.
The pilots union says Jet2 pilot union representatives have launched a campaign called ‘Not a penny more, not an hour less’ to show the company that, rather than pay, roster disruption and increased fatigue are now crucial issues that must be addressed.
It comes as the low-cost airline was rated as the UK’s best airline and the ninth best in Europe by reviewers on TripAdvisor.
BALPA national officer Terry Brandon said: "BALPA recently wrote to Jet2 management to offer to work collaboratively with them on scientific fatigue analysis using our in-house experts. Jet2 refused saying that, although they take safety ‘extremely seriously’, they ‘do not wish, and are not obliged, to engage with BALPA on these matters’.
"We are concerned that this attitude in response to a genuine offer is sadly indicative of Jet2 management, and ultimately counter-productive.
"Jet2 pilots feel loyal to the company but are becoming increasingly frustrated at the way in which their shifts are rostered, and often subsequently changed, particularly in the summer months, which we believe is unsustainable.
"This is why pilots are saying that, for this year’s pay claim, they would actually be happy to keep pay the same but urge the company to review rostering."
