Flybe and pilots union the Balpa have thrashed out a new agreement on pay and working conditions, heralded as ushering in a “new era” of industrial relations with the airline.
The regional carrier announced this morning that the deal had been ratified by Balpa members in a ballot which, on an 84% turnout, saw 78% of members vote in favour of the agreement following months of negotiations.
The agreement comprises a three year pay deal from April 2010 to March 31, 2013, and a five year scheduling agreement covering the period until March 2016. No details of the terms agreed were disclosed.
But Balpa said: “This is a significant deal, both in terms of the quantum and in terms of the relationship going forward, which heralds a new era in industrial relations with the company.”
Mark Firth, a Flybe pilot and chairman of the company council which liaises with the airline, said: “We are extremely happy with the result of the pay and scheduling ballot.
“After a protracted period of negotiation, and with support from Balpa personnel, we are pleased that our members have accepted what we feel is the great deal in the marketplace.
“This new era will also see an evolution of our scheduling agreement, which will be locked into the current UK CAA regulations, and Flybe managers working more closely with our company council.
“Thank you to those who supported us throughout, we now need to build on this positive result as we look forward to a new working relationship with Flybe.”