Story ID: 
Flight Options Fights Union Drive
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: Since the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1108 filed an application letter to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for representation of the 830
Word Count: 172
Since the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1108 filed an application letter to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for representation of the 830 Flight Options pilots earlier this month, the fractional provider has increased efforts to thwart the union drive. It has set up a Web site to provide information to the pilot workforce about unions and, according to NMB filings, hired union-busting law firm Ford & Harrison. NMB rules prohibit Flight Options from interfering in the union election process, so the site’s content has been crafted so as to not portray an anti-union stance. However, it does explain how not to vote in the expected Flight Options union election, which would be conducted using a telephone electronic voting system. In a recent recorded message to the pilots, Flight Options COO and acting CEO S. Michael Scheeringa said, “While we believe in the pilots’ rights to make their own decisions regarding representation, we do not feel that it’s in the best interest to vote for Teamster representation.” Flight Options declined to comment.