Fri, Oct 14, 2016
After More Than 21 Months Of Negotiations, Pilots Continue To Press Spirit Airlines For Industry-Standard Compensation
Nearly 100 Spirit Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), recently stood shoulder-to-shoulder at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to demonstrate their unity as negotiations for a new contract approach the two-year mark. The pilots have been pressing Spirit Airlines management for a compensation package that would bring the pilot group in line with their peers.
In July 2016, the pilots requested mediation from the National Mediation Board to assist the parties with the pace of negotiations and bring the first new contract since the 2010 pilot strike. However, negotiations continue to lag, and recently Spirit Airlines management declined meeting dates in December claiming unavailability.
“We came out strong to show that we stand as one union and speak with one voice. We will not be dissuaded by delays and excuses from management,” commented Capt. Stuart Morrison, head of the Spirit unit of ALPA. “Spirit pilots are paid significantly less than pilots at other airlines flying the same routes on the same aircraft. It’s time for our company to put an end to that unreasonable disparity and come to the table with an offer that recognizes our contributions to Spirit’s success.”
Spirit Airlines is one of the most profitable airlines in the United States, as well as the fastest growing. Last quarter, the company reported net profits of $73.1 million. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines pilots’ total compensation is less than half of their peers’, depending on longevity with the company.
“Spirit pilots should not have to wait for a contract that simply brings us in line with the industry standard,” continued Capt. Morrison. “As this informational picket clearly showed, Spirit pilots are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to get the contract we deserve.”
(Source: ALPA news release)
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