In BALPA v Jet2.com [2015] EWHC 1110 (QB), the High Court has held in favour of airline Jet2.com, in a case which restricts the extent of collective bargaining rights for unions.
BALPA, the union for pilots, sought to negotiate on behalf of Jet2.com pilots regarding its rostering arrangements and other issues.
However, Mr Justice Supperstone held that Jet2.com’s collective bargaining obligations did not include most aspects of rostering. He also held that Jet2.com cannot vary pay without discussing it with the unions, but can communicate directly with the pilots in advance about future pay rises.
Elizabeth Lang, partner at Bird & Bird, who acted for Jet2.com, says: “This decision clarifies the extent of collective bargaining obligations for employers who recognise unions but do not have voluntary arrangements in place.”