The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division is backing a lawsuit against Flexjet and its parent, OneSky, alleging that three of its pilots were illegally harassed and terminated for seeking unionization. Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci, however, told AIN that the lawsuit is "an act of desparation" and a sign that the Teamsters is unable to get the support for unionization. The Teamsters Airline Division, which represents pilots at Flexjet sister company Flight Options, has been in the process of organizing Flexjet pilots.

According to the union, Flexjet fired three pilots who publicly identified themselves as union supporters. “It is a blatant case of anti-union discrimination,” Teamsters Airline Division International Representative Capt. Frederick C. Dubinsky said. The union charges that the pilots were given false reasons for their firings. “Every worker should be able to trust that ownership and management will adhere to basic standards of fair play and consistency,” said Airline Division director Capt. David Bourne. “Flexjet and OneSky’s decision to terminate these pilots for false and unlawful reasons introduces a level of uncertainty and arbitrariness into the workplace.”

The lawsuit, filed by the terminated pilots, seeks reinstatement, including back pay, along with a permanent injunction against attempts to interfere with a pilot’s right to unionize. Ricci, however, said the company has been waiting for the Teamsters to file with the National Mediation Board for single representation of Flexjet and Flight Options pilots. The delay in the filing indicates the Teamsters don’t have the support, he said.