The pilots and management at NetJets have reached a compromise. While it may not be perfect for either side, at least a nasty divorce or separation has been avoided. As one of the only and largest collective bargaining pilot groups in the Part 135 air charter industry (and Part 91 Subpart K) NetJets crews faced the task of explaining to management that they wanted as much money as their corporate colleagues who are for the most part well paid and (compared with fractional crews) don't work the maximum duty time schedule on a daily basis. The issue wtih management is the universal one: How do you keep payroll costs under control? As the largest fixed expense on any company's books (typically) aviation firms need to be sure as much time as possible is spent actually generating revenue for the company.

This story is a brief snapshot of the current status, but it does not explain perhaps the smartest move made by the Union. When management dug their heels in and refused to budge or talk, the pilots took the debate directly to Omaha, NB and picketed the annual Berkshire Hathaway pilgrimmage that many customers as well as shareholders also attended. That, coupled with a billboard at Teterboro, undoubtedly made for uncomfortable moments at Berkshire Hathaway HQ and quite possible led to a "Rich, just .. please fix this." And he did