Working With Management To Minimize Impact On Pilots

Captain Jason Ambrosi, President of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), responded to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Spirit Airlines by issuing the statement below:

“ALPA has been in regular discussions with airline management to defend the interests of our pilots, and we will continue to play an active role moving forward in the restructuring process. We will work vigilantly to protect and defend the jobs, benefits, and livelihoods of Spirit pilots. As we navigate through Spirit’s bankruptcy process, we will ensure that management does not take the opportunity to weaken or unfairly alter collective bargaining through the bankruptcy courts.

“Our priority is ensuring a fair and equitable process that minimizes the impact on pilots and their families. Based on our review of the filings and discussions with management, Spirit intends to continue operations without significant changes during the bankruptcy and is not seeking collective bargaining concessions from ALPA.

 “ALPA is already helping to support the 169 Spirit pilots who are currently furloughed, and we are prepared to assist the approximately 330 expected to be furloughed in January. Several ALPA represented pilot groups have been helping their colleagues prepare for interviews and we will work with airline management at all ALPA carriers to encourage preferential hiring for these highly trained and experienced aviators.

“We have also established a dedicated resource center to connect pilots with furlough assistance programs, including unemployment benefits guidance, healthcare coverage options, job search opportunities and financial planning and budgeting assistance.”

FMI:  ir.spirit.com/