Spirit Shareholders may Have Approved a Merger, but That's a Long Way Off, says Pilot Group

JetBlue Airways pilots, and their representatives from ALPA, greeted the October 18th vote by spirit shareholders approving a JetBlue/Spirit merger by reminding their fellows to keep their eye on the ball. 

They reminded pilots of the importance of retaining a collective bargaining agreement, particularly with a prospective merger on the horizon. They argued that an immediate deal will be vital to bridging the old agreement with a future post-merger oner. Even if the merger goes through, the actual outcome will remain years away, with regulatory review, bureaucracy, and integration undoubtedly taking place at their own pace. The importance of a JetBlue contract negotiation, therefore, remains just as important as it was before. 

“Today’s vote does not change our goal of achieving a contract extension that ensures JetBlue pilots are compensated in line with our daily contribution to the success of this airline and an increasingly competitive pilot market,” commented Captain Chris Kenney, chair of the JetBlue unit of ALPA. “We will not let a business decision to merge with another airline distract from the immediate needs of this airline and JetBlue pilots.”

“The needs of this pilot group can’t wait for a merger that could take years to get the compensation package they have earned,” continued Kenney. “The message we have taken to management is that contract improvements now are key to this airline’s success today and in the future.”

FMI: www.alpa.org