BALPA calls out Jet2 for failing to implement basic safety protections for pilot rosters

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) says it is dismayed that UK airline and holiday company Jet2 refuses to recognise increasing concern from its pilots about fatigue and stress caused by roster disruption.

Jet2 Pilots have asked BALPA to work with the airline to agree meaningful safety protections for their rosters in light of the current – more permissive – European flight time rules, which BALPA believes some airlines use as targets and not maximum limits. BALPA believes these rostering practices are not sustainable in the long run and could have a detrimental effect on pilots’ health and wellbeing resulting in a clear impact on safety.

BALPA has written to the company to offer to work collaboratively to find mutually beneficial safety systems that protect staff and the travelling public by keeping safety at the heart of operations.

Jet2 bluntly refuses to work with BALPA stating ‘cost’ as a main objection. The company later indicated a ‘lack of resources’ before stating simply that ‘we do not want to’.

The company, which presents itself to the public as family friendly, in contrast has always been anti-trade union. It rejected reaching voluntary recognition forcing BALPA to seek a statutory award in order to represent its members.   

BALPA National Officer Terry Brandon said:

“BALPA recently wrote to Jet2 management on behalf of our members to offer to work collaboratively with the company on scientific, evidence based 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 deeply concerned about Jet2 management’s attitude in response to a genuine offer of using safety experts for the benefit of everyone, including their passengers. 

“We appeal to Jet2 to listen to its pilots and BALPA now, and implement basic roster protections that protect the health of our members during the busy summer season. Failing to do so risks significant pilot fatigue and health issues.”